BY CARYN WILKIE

COMMUNICATION MANAGER

 

The East Stroudsburg University Foundation’s Fifth Annual Scholarship Luncheon held on Sunday, April 14 provided an opportunity for ESU student scholarship recipients to meet and thank their scholarship donors in person.

The celebratory luncheon was held, for the first time, at the Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg, and welcomed more than 280 guests, a record number of attendees for the spring event.

The celebration was highlighted with the recognition of the Class of 1962 for their monumental efforts in fundraising for the Warren E. ’55 and Sandra Hoeffner Science and Technology Center and the Class of ’62 Endowed and Annual scholarships.

In total, the reunion class has presented a gift of more than $129,299 to the ESU Foundation. Reunion co-chair Patricia Alberts Hibschman ’62 relayed the dedication so many members of the class displayed during the fundraising effort and encouraged students to do the same when they are out in the world and have the opportunity to give back.

Guests also enjoyed keynote speaker Barth E. Rubin, long-time friend and supporter of ESU and the ESU Foundation.  A philanthropist and well-known business and community leader in the Pocono region, Rubin and his family carry a long history of giving back to ESU.

Opening remarks were offered by Marcia G. Welsh, Ph.D., president of ESU, attending her first Scholarship Luncheon since her arrival to the University in July 2012. Welsh thanked donors for their support and encouraged students to always remember their generosity.

“When you leave here, I ask you to please remember ESU and continue the culture of giving that has enabled you to carry out your academic goals. There will be a student, perhaps in a situation very similar to yours, who will one day be grateful for your help,” said Welsh.

In his closing remarks, ESU Foundation President and CEO Frank Falso emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to philanthropy and commended both donors and students for their desire to meet one another.

“Every year, this luncheon keeps growing and this year we are proud to surpass last year’s record with 280 guests of which more than 100 are student scholarship recipients.

I think that says a lot about these young men and women and the value they place on their education, and the sentiment they feel toward the gracious donors who help support their efforts,” said Falso. “It’s also illustrative of the tremendous growth the Foundation has seen in regards to annual and endowed scholarship support.”

Last year, 255 endowed scholarships were awarded totaling $259,775, an increase of 20 percent from the year prior. Also last year, 208 annual scholarships were awarded totaling $218,023, a more than 32 percent increase from the year prior.

 

Email Caryn at:

cwilkie@esufoundation.org