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West Chester University has received the largest single gift in its history through an innovative partnership that transforms a generous land gift into both a living laboratory for WCU students and usable public space for Chester County citizens. An anonymous donor gifted a 52-acre farm property, fondly known as Ridley Springs, that has resulted in $4.7 million for the University through a unique, dual-purpose agreement with East Whiteland Township that ensures protected open space for the Chester County community. On June 17, a signing ceremony at Ridley Springs farm celebrated the final property transfer. The ceremony brought together University leaders, township representatives, students, and community members who made this historic partnership possible.

WCU students majoring in or with interests in geographic information systems, health, sustainability, art and design, areas of the sciences, and other fields of study will play active roles in working with East Whiteland Township to develop the preserved farm property for the community’s use and enjoyment. The intent of the collaborative initiative is to preserve one of the region’s most breathtaking greenways.

“We are extremely grateful for this donation and for all the possibilities that it holds for our students’ experiential learning,” said West Chester University President Laurie Bernotsky. “Our commitment to sustain this land is part of the fabric of who we are as good stewards of our community. As a public institution, we have an obligation to contribute to the public good. Thanks to the generosity of our anonymous donor and to Dr. John Baker, who played a tremendous role in making the gift happen, this is a beautiful example of how the University can contribute to environmental sustainability while integrating students in everything that we do.”

Preserving the property is a mutual commitment. “East Whiteland Township’s vision for the property centers on long-term conservation and community enrichment,” said East Whiteland Township Manager Steve Brown. “Plans are underway to transform the land into a nature preserve and public park, preserving its natural beauty and preventing future commercial, residential, or industrial development – honoring the original intent of the donor.”

The land transaction required extensive support from the greater Chester County and Pennsylvania communities, as well as a series of innovative funding solutions. To purchase the farmland from the University, East Whiteland Township secured grant funding from both Chester County and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Additionally, township supervisors passed an open space referendum, enabling the use of taxpayer funds for future conservation acquisitions.

“This project exemplifies the tremendous support from our greater Chester County and Pennsylvania communities,” said Chairman of the East Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors Scott Lambert. “The collaboration between our anonymous donor, West Chester University, county government, state agencies, and local taxpayers shows what’s possible when we work together for conservation and education.”

Located in the middle of the Chester Valley in east-central Chester County, East Whiteland Township is best known for the picturesque hill range found along its northern and southern boundaries, as well as its expansive valley floor. The distinctive valley includes an intricate pattern of streams, which include Valley Creek and Little Valley Creek, and majestic woodlands.

Inauguration Celebration Culminates In 42nd Annual Presidential Gala

More than 450 alumni, donors, WCU faculty and staff, students, friends, and supporters gathered in the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens on March 28 in celebration of the inauguration of Dr. Laurie Bernotsky as the University’s 16th president.

Proceeds from this year’s Gala support experiential learning opportunities — unpaid internships, clinical rotations, student-teacher stipends, education abroad, the WCU Resource Pantry, and the Career Closet — that are vital to our students’ education. Senior marketing major Lilyana Campbell was awarded a scholarship to study language in Sorrento, Italy. She told the audience: 

“I can go on and on about the remarkable pizza and endless pasta, but this trip meant so much more to me. I discovered the beauty of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and realized how important global perspectives are in today’s world…I truly understood the significance of international business and the impact it has on fostering cross-cultural relationships.”

Lilyana will be returning in the fall to earn her MBA.

The Gala was co-chaired by Michael M’91 and Karen Gibson M’00 and made possible thanks to Presenting Sponsor Aramark and numerous corporate sponsors; the Gala is funded entirely by private donations and sponsorships.

More information about the Presidential Inauguration celebration can be found at www.wcupa.edu/inauguration.

Given to individuals or organizations who inspire others through their philanthropy and volunteerism, the WCU Foundation Impact Award honors recipients who demonstrate a passion for West Chester University, its students, and the community. We thank all honorees and supporters for the lasting impact their generosity has had and will continue to have on our students and community — their commitment helps shape the future of WCU and makes a difference in the lives of students like Kristina Williams, our student speaker for the evening. Kristina, a senior majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Literacy, is a PRIZE Ambassador who exemplifies leadership and service through her mentorship of high school students.

Inaugural Recipients:

John J. Brignola ’83 and Family
John Brignola raised his twin daughters in West Chester, where they have many fond memories. They are a close-knit family who value giving back to the community, specifically WCU. John received his undergraduate degree, and Jacqui received a master’s degree from WCU. The Brignola Family is grateful for their education at this University and the opportunities it has provided. In giving back, they hope to make similar opportunities more accessible for WCU students. Through their gift to the Fund for Unpaid Internships, established in 2021, they have helped make higher education more accessible for future generations of Rams. The Unpaid Internship Fund has supported 169 students, with 20 students benefiting from the fund this fall alone. The Brignola family’s commitment to the University and its students will continue to create lasting opportunities for many more in the years to come.

State Farm Insurance Companies
A corporate partner that has supported West Chester University since 2006, State Farm Insurance Companies has given more than $680,000 in funding for initiatives like the Michael Horrocks Leadership Institute, Student Affairs Leadership Development, and the Dowdy Multicultural Center with the goal of empowering students to broaden their leadership skills and foster a spirit of inclusiveness. They’ve also established the State Farm Leadership Experience, a series of programs and trainings focused on preparing WCU students to be the next generation of innovative problem solvers.

Pictured above (L-R) : Jacqueline Brignola M’21, John J. Brignola ’83, Deb Cornelius ’91, President Laurie Bernotsky, Zeb Davenport, and Dwayne Redd (State Farm).

In true Golden Ram spirit, West Chester University recently named its newly designed basketball court after two beloved University basketball coaches who are living legends — former Women’s Basketball Coach Deirdre Kane and former Men’s Basketball Coach Dick DeLaney ’69. More than 300 alumni, former West Chester University athletes, friends, and members of the community filled WCU’s Hollinger Fieldhouse on September 14 to unveil the Kane DeLaney Court and celebrate the two winningest coaches in WCU’s history. Members of the marching band, Rammy the mascot, as well as members of the women’s and men’s basketball teams, showered the coaches with fond memories of going to the hoop.

“Players, student assistants, graduate assistants, and student managers are the real reason that I am a coach,” said Coach Kane to all those who gathered in her honor, including many former student athletes who played on her various teams throughout the years. “I hope I was as successful as my mother at making all of you feel like you were my favorite. During my many years at West Chester University, I also encountered the best colleagues. The love is real and I’m sure they all know it. It is an honor to know that Coach DeLaney’s name and my name will live on in perpetuity at this University.”

Coach DeLaney shared the heartfelt sentiment. “What a nice day this is, and it is such an honor to be here,” he said to a crowd that was comprised of many former players whom he called out by name and shared personal stories. “Basketball has been at WCU since the 1900s. I often thought about all the basketball coaches who went before me and I wanted to honor the work that they had done. Coach Kane and I recruited good people. Our student athletes became doctors, teachers, mothers, fathers. All our student athletes became successful because of the way our basketball program was designed. We were family then and we are family now.”

The coaches’ pride was visible as they gazed on a special plaque that had been installed in their honor on one of the entrance walls to Kane DeLaney Court. The plaque pays tribute to the vast impact that the two coaches have made on WCU’s men’s and women’s basketball programs, as well as on the entire University community.

The Kane DeLaney Court features the two coaches’ signatures, permanent hanging banners with images of the honorees, and new wall paint that blazes purple and gold Ram pride. The newly designed Kane DeLaney Court has been made possible thanks to 180 gifts made by West Chester University alumni and friends.

The two coaches more than merit the University-wide honor and recognition. Over a 27-season tenure, Coach Deirdre Kane led her teams to 447 victories. In addition to 16 postseason appearances, she also led her teams to four NCAA Tournament appearances. As a 5-time Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) coach of the year and 3-time regional coach of the year, Coach Kane ranks third all-time in PSAC history in coaching wins and 55^th all-time in NCAA Division II history. She authored a .590 overall winning percentage during her coaching career and a .663 percentage in conference play.

 With 370 wins over 21 seasons, Coach Dick DeLaney, who was a two-sport athlete while a student at WCU, authored 18 winning seasons, was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Eastern Division Coach of the Year five times (1991, 1992, 2000, 2004, 2006), won four PSAC East titles (1994, 2000, 2002, 2006), played for the PSAC championship twice (1998, 2001), and was named Middle Atlantic Coach of the Year in 2003. In addition, five of his squads qualified for the NCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament (1994, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2003). Coach DeLaney is also Markward Basketball Club Lifetime Award recipient, as well as West Chester University’s Inner Circle Award recipient in 2019. Today, Coach DeLaney is a member of seven different halls of fame.

“Having made a significant difference in the lives of many student athletes and alumni, Coach Kane’s and Coach DeLaney’s contributions remain at the heart of the University’s women’s and men’s basketball programs,” said West Chester University President Laurie Bernotsky. “These two extraordinary coaches, who have been exceptional teachers and inspirational mentors, have set an example for all of us to follow as we work to ensure that all of our Golden Rams succeed on and off the court.”

Pictured (l to r) at the Kane DeLaney Court ceremony: Terry Beattie, Director of Athletics; Damien Blair, Head Coach, Men’s Basketball; Dr. Zebulun Davenport, Vice President for University Advancement & External Affairs; Dick DeLaney, former Men’s Basketball Coach and Honoree; Deirdre Kane, former Women’s Basketball Coach and Honoree; Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, President, West Chester University; Kiera Wooden, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball; Deb Cornelius, Executive Director, WCU Foundation

“The Truist Foundation Pathways Program” will specifically support the success of the University’s housing insecure and independent students to increase graduation rates and build career pathways to economic mobility.

WCU has been providing services to students on campus who are determined housing insecure since 2014 through the Promise Program. The Promise Program serves unaccompanied homeless and foster youth by offering access to year-round housing on campus, food and supplies from the University’s Resource Pantry, priority employment opportunities, access to scholarship funds, and monthly programming that provides mentorship and opportunities to engage with peers and guest speakers.

During the 2023-24 academic year, the Promise Program supported 53 students and is expected to support even more in the following years. In addition, almost 35% of WCU students received federal Pell grants; these students benefit from the same resources that Promise Program students do. The University will utilize “The Truist Foundation Pathways Program” grant to revise and expand its program offerings to address the challenges Promise Program, and the larger WCU student population, face. Among the services WCU will offer are life skills training such as financial literacy, accessing healthcare, and cooking and emergency funds to mitigate students’ unexpected financial crises such as car repair or housing needs.

“We are proud to partner with West Chester University Foundation,” said Chad Leyden, Truist market president for suburban Philadelphia. “Our purpose is to inspire and build better lives and communities and we live out this purpose by supporting opportunities such as the Promise Program.”

About Truist Foundation
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all people and communities have an equal opportunity to thrive.

150Forward: The Campaign for West Chester University has raised more than $70.5 million, exceeding the campaign’s overall goal by more than $5.5 million and reaching its highpoint three months prior to the June 30, 2024 deadline.

Launched in 2017, the largest comprehensive campaign in the University’s history was designed to help an even greater number of WCU students secure specific needs: more scholarships; increased academic, civic and professional opportunities; and ready access to technological advancements.

“This campaign has been about breaking down barriers, fostering accessibility, and creating opportunities for lifelong success. Your contributions have laid the foundation for academic achievement, technological advancement, and experiential learning that reaches far beyond the classroom,” President Chris Fiorentino shared with guests at the 41^st Annual Presidential Gala in March, when the public announcement was made.

“Your passion and your philanthropy have been instrumental in this journey, especially during the onset of the pandemic,” he also said to those who had gathered. “This support has been a testament to your commitment to our students’ success. As this University’s president, it has been a profound journey.”

Among the campaign’s achievements are the following three largest gifts:

A $3.5 million gift in 2022 from Student Services, Incorporated (SSI), the largest cash donation ever made to the University. SSI is a not-for-profit organization designed to serve WCU students.

A $3 million gift in 2018 from WCU brothers Dr. James R. Wells ’54 and Mr. Richard G. Wells ’58 in 2018, for whom the Wells School of Music is named, and the largest cash gift in WCU’s history at the time.

A $1 million gift in 2020 from Founder, President, and CEO of ProMetrics Marc Duey, also an adjunct professor at the University teaching in the Marketing Department and the Pharmaceutical Product Development Program, and the Duey family, to support the construction of The Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons (SECC).

“To see the impact that these dollars will have on generations of students is truly humbling,” said Deb Cornelius ’91, Executive Director of the WCU Foundation at the Gala. “President Fiorentino’s leadership has been critical to the Foundation’s work in helping to move the University forward.”

By the Numbers:

• More than 19,000 donors
• $27,477,726 in scholarships
• 187 new scholarships created
• 96 endowments established
• 3,136 scholarships awarded to students
• More than 1,000 scholarships awarded to first generation students
• Building of the 175,000-square-foot SECC with hands-on learning labs including the Duey Centers for Science, Environmental Health Lab, and Nutrition and Food Sensory Lab; 13 faculty research labs; and an 815-seat dining hall
• 24 NCAA Division II athletic programs supported

The 150Forward Campaign was co-chaired by Eric Bossard ’85, Marc Duey, and Jacqui North ’81, leaders in the fields of technology, philanthropy, and educational advancement.

Each year, West Chester University’s Annual Presidential Gala attracts numerous friends from throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to support an annual benefit that works to provide financial assistance to West Chester University students in good academic standing. In honor of President Christopher Fiorentino’s 41 years of extraordinary service and prior to his retirement in June, the Gala returned home to West Chester University on Friday, March 15, as the Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons was transformed into a “Starry Night Soirée.” The newest building on campus featured a breathtaking 8k video wall presentation by Professor of Astronomy Marc Gagné and The Sandra F. Pritchard Mather Planetarium. NASA images, footage from the Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes, the Mars rovers, and planet flyby missions were among the spectacular images shown.

The special venue was fitting for a special request. President Fiorentino asked that all funds raised at the 41st Annual Presidential Gala be specifically directed to the University’s “Fund to Finish” — a fund that provides flexible, emergency funding to students when they have exhausted all other avenues of support to complete their degree at West Chester University.

Nearly 300 friends were anxious to shoot for the stars and answer the beloved president’s call to fund the “last dollars” students may need to graduate. The total amount raised at the Gala is currently in the process of being calculated. In existence for the past few years, the Fund to Finish has supported 170 West Chester University students.

“The Fund to Finish represents our shared mission as a community of educators to ensure every student has the resources needed to complete their education and cross the finish line to secure their hard-earned degrees,” said President Fiorentino to the guests in attendance. “Your generosity directly impacts lives, offering hope and opportunity to students like Erica, who had exhausted her loan eligibility even though she had nearly completed her nursing degree; Chayla, who worked full-time while carrying a full course load to stay afloat; and Kenisha, a single-mother who diligently worked to improve her family’s future. Thanks to your support, all three have triumphed over their obstacles to become proud Golden Ram alumni.

The Fund to Finish represented just one step in the larger journey to complete the 150Forward campaign, which is the largest comprehensive campaign that the University has launched in its history to support students. While a capital campaign supports bricks and mortar, the 150Forward campaign was specifically designed to help an even greater number of WCU students secure more scholarships; have increased opportunities for academic, civic and professional experiences; and obtain ready access to technological advancements.

At 9 p.m., a surprise, significant milestone was announced by Executive Director of the West Chester University Foundation Debra Cornelius; the 150Forward Campaign raised $69,512,930.82. The total exceeded the campaign’s overall goal by $4million and reached its highpoint three months prior to the June 30, 2024 deadline.

“We are genuinely excited to share this historic milestone with you,” said Ms. Cornelius. “To see the impact that these dollars will have on generations of students is truly humbling.”

Jasmine Seals, a graduate of Bucks County Community College and now a 25-year-old West Chester University student in her senior year, personified the impact of the campaign. She told the audience: “My parents raised my brother and me on the idea that they knew we could do better and be better than the situation they were in, [which was] living paycheck to paycheck, getting laid off, and having to work more than the average person might….

“When transferring into WCU, I worked two jobs…In the fall of 2023, I was stressed, worried, and scared about paying for tuition to get me through my senior year….In order to student teach, I would have to reduce my work hours and step away from working….What about my bills? My loan payments? My car or gas? Then, I got an email saying I had received a very generous scholarship that would allow me to finish my final semester. Like butter on fresh hot pancakes, my worries melted away…This scholarship changed my life and made things a whole lot easier for me to reach my dreams of being an educator.”

Since its inception in 1983, the Presidential Gala has raised more than $2 million dollars for West Chester University students. Gala Committee Co-Chairs for West Chester University’s 2024 Starry Night Soirée were Elizabeth Leonard and Stephen R. Leonard ’72, M’80.

For 2024, the following sponsored the 41st Annual Presidential Gala — Presenting Sponsor: Aramark. Diamond Sponsors: Jobsite Products, Inc. and MacElree Harvey. Titanium Sponsors: Radius Systems and Sodexo. Gold Sponsors: Arthur Hall Insurance; Bancroft Construction Company; First Bank; Hobbs & Company, Inc.; Meridian Bank; Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP; and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. Silver Sponsors: Citadel Credit Union, NJM Insurance Group, Patricia & James P. Shinehouse ’80, and West Chester University Alumni Association. Bronze Sponsors: CALECO Laundry, The Elite Group, Fox Rothschild LLP, The Kienle Family, Martin’s Financial Consulting Group – Ameriprise, Philadelphia Phillies, S&T Bank, West Chester University Athletics, and Wistar Motors.

West Chester University’s “RamBand Road to the Roses ’24” initiative has raised more than $1million to fund travel expenses for the INCOMPARABLE Golden Rams Marching Band to make the 2,675-mile journey to the Golden State. On New Year’s day 2024, WCU’s very own RamBand made history by becoming the first marching band within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to participate in the iconic Rose Parade.

Transporting the 336-member band, their instruments, and more than 30 University faculty and staff members to Pasadena for this once-in-a-lifetime experience was no small feat and required a true community effort. Launched in November 2022, the fundraising initiative was anchored by a $100,000 matching gift challenge from Dr. James Wells ’54 and Richard G. Wells ’58, namesakes for West Chester’s School of Music.

“The band’s students, who represent more than 60 majors, are a constant source of WCU pride,” said West Chester University President Chris Fiorentino, “as they simultaneously juggle their courseloads with a demanding practice schedule. We are thrilled that they earned this coveted opportunity that brings worldwide recognition to West Chester University, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.”

An annual tradition for more than 130 years, the Rose Parade has a television viewership of more than 25 million people and a live attendance of about 700,000. The momentous occasion was captured by Good Morning America (West Coast), 6abc Action News, and CBS3 Philadelphia, in addition to full parade coverage by KTLA5.

“We are expected to push ourselves and each other so that each person who sees us perform gets a worthy show,” said Devon Palmeter, a Class of 2023 chemistry major with minors in dance and Spanish, and a member of the Color Guard. “Not only did the field show and various parades need to be near perfect here on the East Coast, they needed to be just as good, if not better, on the West Coast. Everything that we had been working endlessly towards all season, and everything that those before us had accomplished, was put on display in Pasadena.”

Spectators in the stands and those watching at home saw the band’s new uniforms that feature a purple and gold rose design. The “new look” was made possible in part by a six-figure donation from Student Services, Incorporated, the nonprofit organization designed to serve the students of West Chester University.

This year’s parade theme was “Celebrating a World of Music”, and the band played the “Theme for Rocky,” “Philadelphia Freedom,” and the “Liberty Bell March.” As part of the festivities, the band was invited to perform a field show at the Tournament of Rose’s 43^rd Annual BandFest at Pasadena City College, and marched down Main Street, U.S.A. at Disneyland Park in a smaller celebratory parade.

Anna Gutzler, a junior studying music education at West Chester University and drum major in the band, said, “What made this experience especially rewarding was the fact that my parents, grandparents, and sister were able to watch the parade in person. Although the viewers only see the final product, the band members and staff know the countless hours of hard work and preparation it took for us to get to that moment. Throughout the entire trip, I was beaming with pride and gratitude.”

Peak Group Travel, a student travel company owned and operated by Bruce Rickert ’86, facilitated a trip for more than 300 friends, family members, and Ram Fans who enthusiastically cheered during the march down Colorado Boulevard. These fans included members of the Bands Alumni Chapter of the WCU Alumni Association. Founded in 2012, the chapter has more than 700 members, performs at football games during Homecoming Weekend, and supports the “Sixth Man” Basketball Band at home games. This past December, the Peak Group Travel donated the remaining $16,000 to reach the one-million-dollar goal.

More than 1,400 donors, including alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and family contributed to the effort, including students, who rallied the support of friends and family through crowdfunding to “fund a mile” of their trip.

Dean of West Chester University’s Wells School of Music Christopher Hanning said, “Throughout the trip, our engagement with our alumni and band parents let us know how committed they are to our success, and to the University. From all of us in the Wells School of Music, a huge thanks to our donors, our administration, and the WCU Foundation for their INCOMPARABLE support!”

Director of Athletic Bands and WCU Adam Gumble ’05 added, “Thank you for believing in our program and understanding the value that this sort of experience has for Golden Rams past, present, and future. Most of all, we are thankful for your support of this opportunity that allowed West Chester University to shine brightly on the international stage!”

An insider’s look into the history of the band and their yearlong preparations can be found in the January issue of Main Line Today magazine.