WCU: 39th Annual President’s Scholarship Gala Raises $150,000+

WEST CHESTER, PA —West Chester University’s 39th annual President’s Annual Presidential Scholarship Gala raised $150,000 for students who have earned academic distinction.

More than 340 guests attended the inperson gala Saturday at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Since its inception in 1983, the gala has raised more than $2 million dollars for West Chester University students.

The evening was all about West Chester University students.

Attendees were impressed by the University’s participating ROTC students and Opera Theater performers as well as members of the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band, and the Golden Rams Society.

“For 39 years, we have raised more than $2 million for student scholarships,” said President Christopher Fiorentino. “As a University practice, it remains important to intentionally uncover and then remove barriers that impede student success. Scholarship assistance, housing, food, basic goods, and services— our students continue to need support.”

Fiorentino and Susan Fiorentino shared co-hosting roles with Gala Co-chairs Patricia and James P. Shinehouse.

A 1980 alumnus, Shinehouse is a founding partner at Atlantic Financial Advisory Partners, and Patricia Shinehouse worked as a medical editor for a nursing publication company and has been a Stephen Minister.

“We are all here as leaders whose efforts will broaden access to scholarships, assist WCU with technological innovation and propel tomorrow’s leaders by creating opportunities on campus, in our workforce and in our communities,” Shinehouse said.

Among those leaders honored at the Gala were former University president Greg Weisenstein and former acting president Linda Lamwers, who also delivered remarks on behalf of former president Madeleine Wing Adler.

Adler wrote in a prepared statement: “Dr. Fiorentino and these leaders need your support: your volunteering, your advocacy, and, yes, your financial contribution . . . this is why in December we committed an additional $25,000 to student scholarships in the fund named for my late son, J. Peter Adler.”

Jacquelyn North, a 1981 alumna and co-chair of 150Forward: The Campaign for West Chester University, spoke about the power of student scholarships during a time of need.

“To me, scholarships make the impossible possible,” North said. “To students, a scholarship can determine whether they walk across the stage at graduation or not. In addition to supporting the President’s Scholarship, I am elated to pay it forward through the creation of my own scholarship, the North Family First-Generation College of Business Scholarship.”

“We are grateful for your efforts, because they make a significant difference in the lives of well-deserving and academically talented students. We must continue this kind of ambition on their behalf.”

This year’s incoming class of academic scholars includes Noelle Clavner, Jordan Coleman, Enrique Del Leon-Raya, Laina Harding, Kya London, Kayla Ruff, and Katelyn Skarupa.

Event Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: Aramark;

Diamond Sponsor: Truist;

Entertainment Sponsor: Hobbs & Company, Inc;

Gold Sponsors: H.B. Frazer Company, Lamb McErlane PC, Meridian Bank, Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP, S&T Bank, Patricia & James P. Shinehouse ’80, Sodexo, WCU Alumni Association, and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.;

Silver Sponsors: Citadel; Dilworth Paxson LLP; The Elite Group; First Bank; Jobsite Products, Inc.; NJM Insurance Group; Red River; Sunset Hill Jewelers & Fine Arts; and TD Bank.

Bronze Sponsors: Baker Tilly; CALECO Laundry; Fox Rothschild LLP; KCI/MBP Joint Venture; Martin’s Financial Consulting Group – Ameriprise; Philadelphia Phillies; The Protection Bureau; Radius Systems; Rainer & Company; and SEI Investments Company.