The Power of Partnerships

The primary mission of Student Services, Incorporated (SSI) is to initiate, regulate, and operate the financial matters of all co-curricular student and campus activities — this includes the management of the WCU Campus Store and Ram Shop; student publications, clubs, organizations, and programming; event ticketing services; intra-collegiate athletics; and the Graduate Student Association.

Utilizing philanthropy, they are providing even more.

“SSI has a long history of being a passionate supporter of West Chester University students,” says SSI Chair of the Board of Directors Bernie Carrozza ’66. “We are happy to provide the type of resources and support that will enable bright minds and dreams to flourish.”

Since its first recorded contribution of $1,000 in 1989, the Board of Directors — which includes a Student Government Association representative — hasn’t lost sight of this goal.

For over three decades, SSI has chosen to fund initiatives in areas that impact every aspect of a student’s educational experience — and that align with the three priorities of 150Forward: The Campaign for WCU. Here is where they’ve focused their contributions:

Investing in Our Students
Dr. Matthew Bricketto Textbook Endowment
Presidential Scholarship Community Gala
Scholarships for micro-awards and meal plans

Leading with Technology
Business & Public Management Center
The Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons
WCU Planetarium Fund

Creating Opportunities
Athletics Programs
Dowdy Multicultural Center
Golden Rams Abroad
Dr. Ronn Jenkins Diving & Aquatics Center
School of Music Performing Arts Center
Student Affairs Leadership Development Fund
Twardowski Career Development Center
WCU Resource Pantry
Weisenstein Veterans Center

Their most recent gift of $3.5 million this year — the largest gift in University history — established the Student Services, Incorporated Presidential Endowment, and will provide a perpetual source of annual funding through earned interest.

“This endowment is quite intentional,” Bernie adds. “It offers the flexibility to seize opportunities or to make strategic investments in initiatives and priorities focused on achieving the University’s mission of student success.”