150Forward Comprehensive Campaign Raises Historic $70.5 Million for WCU Students
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 41st 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.
