Giving
Societies

Become a member and join the icons of WCU philanthropy

Your gift is invaluable to driving WCU’s mission forward. You can accomplish even more as a member of a WCU Foundation giving society — for the University, and for other donors.

That’s because a giving society is a unique space where you can share experiences and ideas with like-minded philanthropists. And with exclusive member events and recognition, giving societies shine a light on dedicated donors like you, inspiring even more support from the greater WCU community

Giving<br />Societies

President’s Circle

As a member of the President’s Circle, you can cement the future of West Chester University and its students with lifetime, consecutive, or annual giving that sets you apart as a leader in philanthropic vision.

When you make your lasting gift commitment, you’ll join the ranks of decades of our most generous donors and community partners — all while unlocking access to the President’s Circle Dinner, ceremonial recognition, and membership in even more prestigious society memberships.

Membership Details

George Morris Philips Society

When you make a lasting gift to support WCU, you can join more than 400 alumni, faculty, and other benefactors as a member of the prestigious George Morris Philips Society.

Attend exclusive Society and annual events. Be recognized on-campus and at the WCU Alumni & Foundation Center. And build a legacy that will drive student success for years to come.

Membership Details

The Lasting Impact of Society Members & Community Partners

Dr. Rudine S. Sims Bishop

WCU Class of 1959
Member of the Heritage-Old Main Society

A Leader in Literature and Language Arts
Dr. Rudine S. Sims Bishop

Read The Story

Rudine Sims Bishop graduated from WCU in 1959 with a BA in Elementary Education; she then earned an MS in Education from the University of Pennsylvania and an EdD in Curriculum Development from Wayne State University.

Dr. Bishop taught children’s literature at Ohio State University from 1986 to 2002, after which she retired. While at Ohio State, she served on the selection committees for both the Caldecott and Newbery Medals. For her contributions to the field of children’s literature she has received the National Council of Teachers of English James R. Squire Award and Outstanding Educator in English Language Arts Award, the Arbuthnot Award, the Coretta Scott King-Virginia Hamilton Award for Lifetime Achievement; and the OSU Distinguished Service Award.

In 2001, Dr. Bishop was inducted into the Reading Hall of Fame. Later in 2017, she was a WCU Commencement Speaker in December 2017. At WCU, she supports the Purple & Gold Fund, the Patricia Grasty Gaines Multicultural Leadership Endowment, and the Frederick Douglass Institute. She currently resides with her husband, Jim, in Columbus, Ohio.

Toby & Richard (Dick) S. DeLaney

WCU Class of 1969
Members of the Heritage-Arch Society

Taking the Golden Rams to the NCAA
Toby & Richard (Dick) S. DeLaney

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In 1969, Dick Delaney graduated with a BS in Kinesiology from WCU, where he was also a student-athlete competing in basketball, soccer, and baseball. He served as head basketball coach at WCU for 21 seasons and was a student coach for 45 years. Dick is especially famous for having been the first coach to lead the Rams to the NCAA Tournament (1987).

Dick coached at Philadelphia University for 11 years and was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame in 2004. Additionally, he was inducted into the WCU Athletic Hall of Fame and Messikomer Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002. Remarkably, he was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Coach of the Year in 1991, 1992, 2000, 2004, and 2006.

In 2011, he established the Dick Delaney Scholarship Endowment. He has been enthusiastic in engaging other former athletes in fundraising. He and his wife, Toby, have also contributed to the Chester County Community Foundation. Together, they reside in Springfield, Pennsylvania.

Dr. Pamela A. Coughlin

WCU Class of 1964
Member of the Heritage-Arch Society
Diamond Club of the Carillon Society
George Morris Philips Society

Bringing Equal Opportunity to Education
Dr. Pamela A. Coughlin

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Pamela A. Coughlin graduated from WCU in 1964 with a BA in Education; she then earned a PhD at American University. She was the founder and former executive director of Children’s Resources International, an organization that created pilot programs similar to Head Start in foreign countries — including Hungary, Morocco, and Pakistan.

Dr. Coughlin was integral to initiating a WCU study abroad program in Hungary with the help of George Soros’ Open Society Foundation. She was an early staff member of the federal Head Start education program and is a former professor at Georgetown University.

At WCU, Dr. Coughlin serves on the College of Education Social Work Advisory Board. In 2018, she established the Pamela Coughlin Education Endowment to support a female Elementary Education major. She currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland.

Recognizing the Donor Communtiy

The vision and generosity of every individual and organization is what advances the mission of West Chester University. See all our donors so far — then decide how you want to make your mark.

See All Donors