Passing the Presidential Baton: Their Perspectives

Traditionally, the title “president” reflects individual prestige. But at the West Chester University Foundation Board of Trustees, it’s all about the larger team.

That’s where former president John Baker ’74 credits his eight years of accomplishments. And it’s where current president Joan Kaminski ’69 remains most impressed by the Foundation’s staff and capabilities.

“The Board has a wide range of experience with the Foundation, including work on fundraising, student housing, finance, and more,” Joan says. “We have a really committed, hard-working group, and I look forward to seeing the results of our new strategies post-merger with the WCU Office of Alumni Relations.”

John adds, “After the merger, it was a smooth transition, combining our strengths for a much broader outreach to all graduating classes, current and past.”

The result is a team with greater combined experience and capabilities, impacting more students.

“Many people don’t realize that the state of Pennsylvania doesn’t offer as much support for the University as it once did,” Joan says. “That makes the Foundation’s work critical for the success of not only the students, but also the University. We are fortunate to have it.”

That success is already evident, Joan and John say, in the continual progress of the University’s 150Forward fundraising campaign.

“If that $65 million proposal came forward a decade ago, we wouldn’t have thought it was possible,” John says. “We’re in a different era now, and we’re in good hands.”