Buffalo, N.Y. - Daemen College senior men's basketball player Gerald Beverly (Rochester, N.Y./Gates Chili) was among the honorees at the Annual Dinner Meeting of YMCA Buffalo Niagara held on Thursday, May 7 at the Statler City Golden Ballroom. Beverly was one of eight recipients of the organization's Volunteer of the Year Award which was given to those people deemed to have gone above and beyond in donating their time at YMCA Buffalo Niagara's eight locations across Western New York.
Beverly has spent time volunteering at the Independent Health Family Branch located at 150 Tech Drive in Amherst. His involvement there began as an intern last summer, completing the internship requirement for his undergraduate program (Sport Management) at Daemen. Once the internship ended, Beverly continued to volunteer at the branch, specifically as a coach and referee for their youth basketball league.
The program for the Annual Dinner Meeting stated, "Gerald's kind personality and smile, combined with his gentle nature and amazing skills, are a positive asset to the YMCA youth basketball program. As a coach and referee he contributes greatly to the confidence, skills and values of the many children he works with."
A contingent of Daemen representatives were on hand to witness Beverly's recognition, including Vice President for Institutional Advancement Dr. Richanne Mankey, Director of Athletics Bridget Niland, Associate Athletic Director Jessica Gorski and the men's basketball coaching staff - Mike MacDonald (head coach), Mike Miranto (associate head coach), Mike Berkun (assistant coach) and David Johnson (assistant coach).
"Gerald has had so many accomplishments while at Daemen but, for many of us, the YMCA acknowledgement is the highest because it truly reflects Gerald's strengths as a community member and someone who knows the value of giving back," Niland said.
"We like to have well-rounded student-athletes and Gerald epitomizes that along with the NCAA Division II motto of life in the balance," MacDonald added. "We're very proud of his work with the YMCA and his dedication to the children of Western New York. He's accomplished so much for us on the basketball court, and the recognition he has received from the YMCA is a verry fitting way to end his tenure here, with graduation day on the horizon next week."
In addition to their Volunteer of the Year awards, YMCA Buffalo Niagara recognized eight others with the Seymour H. Knox, III Youth of the Year Award, the Stewart Parternship Award and the Gold Key Award.
YMCA Buffalo Niagara is a charitable, community-based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Provided by the Daemen Sports Information Department.
