D'YOUVILLE UNIVERSITY 3 2 D'MENSIONS MAGAZINE FALL 2025 INSIDE FALL 2025 FROM THE PRESIDENT D MENSIONS 22 32 COVER STORY D’Youville’s Nursing History D’Youville Nursing Today D’Youville’s School of Nursing was born in 1942 from a nationwide need for nurses as the country entered World War II. From that first class of seven young women to today, nursing has grown to become the university’s flagship program that hasn’t lost sight of its mission to serve. After 83 years, D’Youville University’s Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing is going strong and continues to be a leader and innovator in health sciences education in Western New York. We look at the current state of the program and its new simulation lab that provides students hands-on, real world experience. FALL 2025 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2 4 Readers share their Madonna Memories 9 Medical School gets the green light 50 Innovator in the world of biomedical research 44 Sister Donna The spring edition of D’Mensions Magazine went back in time to the early days of Madonna Hall. Readers shared their own stories for this edition. D’Youville’s College of Osteopathic Medicine — the first of its kind in WNY — has received pre-accreditation. Andy Blidy was a star on the basketball court during his college days at D’Youville. He’s been an even bigger deal in the world of science research during his 50-year career. A 1975 nursing graduate, Sister Donna DelSanto has lived a life of service and devotion to God — and she shares her unpredictable journey from DYC to the Sisters of Saint Joseph in Rochester. ALSO INSIDE 3 .........President’s Column 9 ...................... D’You Know 36 .................. Alumni News Cover image from 1942 U.S. Army Nursing Corps recruitment posters 320 PORTER AVENUE BUFFALO, NEW YORK 14201 ____________________________ PRESIDENT Lorrie A. Clemo PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Britt Davis Fehmi Damkaci Joggeshwar (Jogy) Das Denise DiRienzo Benjamin (BG) Grant Ona Halladay Jason MacLeod Jeff Matthews David Mee ____________________________ INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT Ryan DiNunzio Dan Innes Laruen Innes Jenn Lay Renee Orr Sarah Russo Danielle Walenka CONSULTING EDITOR Billy Liggett ____________________________ D’Mensions Magazine will publish three times a year beginning in 2025. ____________________________ D’Youville University is a private university located on the vibrant west side of Buffalo, N.Y., preparing students for the 21st-century. Excelling at helping students reach their educational, professional and career goals, D’Youville instills adaptability, high expectations, hands-on experience and best- in-class education to our students to become change agents, working for themselves and their communities by doing good. Founded in 1908, the Grey Nuns named the college after the Patron Saint Marguerite d’Youville to be a compassionate place of learning for those from underrepresented populations to give them a better life. As a school with a long Catholic history of supporting the underserved, D’Youville welcomes students of every culture, background and faith and is a place where traditions can be openly shared and respected. As a leader in education, D’Youville University provides innovative, responsive, excellent academic programming with the tools necessary to enhance the learning process. Our quality academic programs are aimed at preparing students for passionate, driven careers and/or graduate and professional studies. Featuring an urban, growing campus community of more than 3,000 students, D’Youville offers more than 50 majors in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies including advanced certificates and accelerated learning programs. With degrees in healthcare, business and the liberal arts, D’Youville’s proud graduates have the academic rigor necessary for careers that make a difference for the world of tomorrow. ____________________________ Dear Alumni & Friends: A s we welcome a new academic year at D’Youville University, I am reminded of how deeply our university has been shaped by a steadfast commitment to preparing health care professionals who serve not only New York State, but the entire nation and our neighbors in Canada. This issue of D’Mensions celebrates that mission and the many ways our students, faculty and alumni continue to advance health care delivery across neighborhoods, borders and generations. Our cover story highlights one of D’Youville’s proudest legacies: the history of nursing education. From its founding in 1942 — when the program was launched in direct response to the urgent call for nurses to serve the Allies during World War II — to today’s advanced programs that prepare nurse practitioners, nurse educators and health care leaders, nursing at D’Youville has always reflected our university’s ability to respond to society’s most pressing needs. Generations of graduates have carried the D’Youville spirit of caring, innovation and resilience into hospitals, clinics, schools, communities and even battlefields around the world. That spirit remains at the heart of our work. In today’s challenging health care landscape, the need for well-prepared, compassionate professionals has never been greater. Our programs in nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant studies, dietetics, occupational therapy, and — soon — osteopathic medicine, are united by a common vision: to create a healthier future by training students who will not only fill critical workforce shortages, but who will also lead with empathy, excellence and a commitment to equity in care. As you turn the pages of this issue, I hope you will take pride in the stories of our students, faculty and alumni who continue to embody D’Youville’s founding values while boldly shaping the healthcare systems of tomorrow. Whether you are a graduate, a friend or a supporter, your connection to this community is helping us prepare the next generation of caregivers and leaders. With gratitude and excitement for all that lies ahead, Dr. Lorrie Clemo President, D’Youville University Celebrating our history of answering the call Nursing students attend the capping ceremony at D’Youville College in 1970. Dr. Lorrie Clemo
