WCU’s 41st Annual Presidential Gala
Helps Fund the “Last Dollars” Students May Need to Graduate

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.

This year’s benefit was co-chaired by Elizabeth Leonard and Stephen R. Leonard ’72, M’80, proud supporters of WCU for more than 30 years. Proceeds were directed to the University’s “Fund to Finish,” which provides flexible emergency funding to students when they have exhausted all other avenues of support to complete their degree.

The 2024 Gala raised more than $90,000 for the Fund to Finish.

“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,” said President Fiorentino to guests.

“Thanks to your support, all three have triumphed over their obstacles to become proud Golden Ram alumni.”

At the event, a surprise significant milestone was announced: WCU’s 150Forward Campaign — the largest comprehensive campaign to support students in the University’s history— raised more than $69.5 million, exceeding the campaign’s overall goal by $4 million and reaching its high point three months prior to the June 30, 2024 deadline.

The event was made possible thanks to Presenting Sponsor Aramark and numerous corporate sponsors.