Letter from the President

Group photo with Christopher M. Fiorentino

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

This winter, we watched more than 1,167 graduates don caps and gowns to receive well-earned degrees. It is hard to believe that we will soon have the pleasure of watching thousands more Golden Rams become alumni of this fine institution during 15 individual commencement ceremonies this spring. Each year I become even more inspired by the overwhelming excitement and sense of accomplishment that our newest graduates exude upon receiving their degrees. The excitement in Hollinger Fieldhouse, Asplundh Concert Hall and the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing is palpable as families, faculty, staff, and friends eagerly look on with immense pride. Amidst a room bursting with joy and anticipation, all those in attendance understand the significance of the moment; it is indelibly marked by crossing the finish line.

I carry the magnitude of all those many moments with me. I, too, have proudly crossed the finish line having dedicated most of my career to West Chester University and following 41 rewarding years in public higher education. It has truly been the greatest honor and privilege of my professional life to have served you — our alumni, students, faculty, staff, Council of Trustees, neighbors, partners, and numerous citizens within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Working together with all of you on our shared vision of student success, we have made a significant difference in the lives of many and have opened doors to generations of new student populations. I am inspired by your extraordinary dedication to this special University. You make West Chester University golden every day.

As I have said many times before, a constant forward motion propels WCU; it is relentless as it moves with determination, purpose and direction that is fueled by our resolve to help students be successful. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that you have provided me to help make a lasting difference toward this compelling and imperative mission that thrives. At more than 150 years young, this University holds great promise for the many dynamic chapters yet to be written.

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Fiorentino
President

In October, the University recognized dedicated alumni, parents and family members, friends, faculty, staff, and community partners who are part of the President’s Circle, including recipients of the President’s Award, those donors who inspire others through their philanthropy and volunteerism. Pictured (L-R) are the 2023 President’s Award honorees Kathleen Hassinger Boyer ’80, M’86; Dianne Peich and Michael Peich, emeritus professor of English; Chris Fiorentino, president; Sue Fiorentino, professor of management; Anita Foeman, emerita professor of communication and media; Kathleen Lackey-Painter, president, General Federation of Women’s Clubs Pennsylvania (GFWC) The New Century Club of West Chester; and Marilyn Light, board member and chair of the Education Committee, GFWC The New Century Club of West Chester.

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
COUNCIL OF TRUSTEES

Robert M. Tomlinson ’70 (chair)
Barry C. Dozor ’71 (vice chair)
Marian D. Moskowitz (secretary)
Tara D. Chupka ’05
Carolyn T. Comitta ’74
Thomas A. Fillippo ’69
Christopher Franklin ’87
Jonathan Ireland ’95, M’03
Susan Yoder Schick ’88
Betty Silfa
Julia Ward (student)

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Officers
Joan M. Kaminski ’69 (president)
Robert H. Plucienik (vice president)
Keith E. Beale ’77 (treasurer)
Sandra F. Mather ’64, M’68 (secretary)
Debra G. Cornelius ’91 (executive director)
Christina Gerenza (assistant treasurer)

Trustees
Tabetha J. Adkins, ex officio
Dawn Swope Apgar
Eric K. Bossard ’85
Deborah J. Chase ’76
Zebulun R. Davenport, ex officio
Christopher M. Fiorentino, ex officio
David L. Flamer M’86
Maury Hoberman
Matthew M. Holliday ’09
Jessica E. Kienle ’05
Michael A. Mele ’89
Thomas E. Mills, IV ’81
Todd E. Murphy, ex officio
Jacqui North ’81
Jeffery L. Osgood, ex officio
Douglas A. Pacitti ’97
William E. Scottoline

WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

President
Patrick O’Connor M’93

Vice President
Gregory Saunders ’87

Treasurer
Tony Fragale ’77

Secretary
Deidre Gray ’92

Immediate Past President
Matthew Holliday ’09

Directors
Douglas Ambler ’71, M’72
Nancy Baulis ’73
Lance Bogash ’74
Katherine (DiCicco) Canazzi ’16, M’22
Joseph Cassel ’79
Rick Daniels ’75, M’81
Anjelica Finore ’16
Tony Fragale ’77
Marisa Gothie ’05
Deidre Gray ’92
Devynn T. Gray ’19, M’20
Matthew Holliday ’09
Carol Kashow ’77
Laine Mann ’91
Louis W. Mason ’76
Patrick O’Connor M’93
Gregory Saunders ’87
Joyce Woodson ’75, M’79

President Emeriti
Carmen Evans Culp ’52, M’64 (deceased)
Janice Weir Etshied ’50 (deceased)
Karl Helicher ’72, M’82, M’87
Joseph Kienle ’72, M’74
Richard D. Merion ’59, M’69
Edward J. Monroe ’89
John F. Murphy ’43 (deceased)
Dr. Luther B. Sowers ’49 (deceased)

Director Emeritus
Herbert Lee ’59, M’64 (deceased)
Nick Polcini ’00, M’05