The most prestigious event on the College’s calendar, the annual Founders' Day Gala commemorates and celebrates the establishment of Le Moyne College. Founded in 1946, Le Moyne’s mission is to provide a quality liberal arts education in the Jesuit tradition. A key component of the Founders’ Day program is the presentation of the Simon Le Moyne Award for outstanding leadership for the benefit of society. The award represents the ideals and educational standards exemplified by the man whose name the College, and the awardee, bear. The Reverend Simon Le Moyne, a French Jesuit, was the first European man to visit the Syracuse area when it was inhabited by the Onondagas, keepers of the council fires of the Five Nations. This award memorializes Father Le Moyne, an ambassador of peace and a person of faith, vision and courage.