Medaille College celebrated its annual tradition, the Founders’ Day Celebration, with an event at the Twentieth Century Club in Buffalo on April 24.

Keynote speaker Robert D. Gioia, president of The John R. Oishei Foundation, addressed over 170 guests, noting Medaille's commitment to the success of its students through programs like Project EQUIP, which was funded in part by the Oishei Foundation.

The College appreciates the generous financial contributions that made Founders' Day possible, including Phillips Lytle LLP, which has continued its support as a presenting sponsor for a third consecutive year. Additional support was provided by M&T Bank (Gold Sponsor), Delaware North Companies, Inc. (Silver Sponsor) and ARAMARK, Elbers Landscape Services, Inc. and Merchants Insurance Group (Bronze Sponsors). 

The highlight of the evening came with the presentation of the Fr. Medaille Awards for Service & Citizenship. A selection committee of community leaders reviewed dozens of nominations, and chose this year’s recipients for their shared devotion to serving those in need.  

• Jeffrey Gramlich '11 '12 was the Medaille Student recipient. A U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, Gramlich served tours in Afghanistan and Iraq, and was chosen for his tireless advocacy on behalf of veterans.  
• Brenda Fredette, Ph.D. received the Medaille Faculty award for her work with Science Firsthand, a program that engages urban youth in mentoring through informal science investigations.  
• Milania Lullo was honored for her contributions to Homespace, a program that provides independent living space for young, single parents.
• And, James Bender, executive director of Hearts and Hands: Faith in Action, accepted the Organization Award for the work done to match elderly or homebound residents with volunteers to help them with everything from door-to-door transportation to help with yard work and paperwork.

As the event concluded, the College honored the Sisters of St. Joseph by inviting them to join the newly-established Heritage Council for its collective, significant contributions to Medaille throughout its history. The Heritage Council will recognize those who have demonstrated exemplary service to further the College's historic mission in Buffalo.

Scott Levin of WGRZ-TV hosted the evening, and students from the Muhammed School of Music, led by Henri Muhammed '04, provided entertainment in the form of classical music. Muhammed received the alumni award at Founders' Day in 2010.