$3.5 Million Gift Will be Presented as Largest Cash Donation in WCU’s History on March 22
As the largest cash donation ever made to West Chester University, a $3.5 million
gift from Student Services, Incorporated (SSI) will be presented during a Gift Agreement
Signing and Check Presentation Celebration on Tuesday, March 22, at 3 p.m. in the
University’s Philips Autograph Library, 700 South High Street, West Chester. SSI Chair
of the Board of Directors Bernie Carrozza and SSI Executive Director Donna Snyder
will publicly sign the gift agreement and present the transformational check to West
Chester University President Chris Fiorentino. The presentation of the historic gift
coincides with the University’s 150th anniversary this year; a celebratory toast will follow.
The SSI Board of Directors approved a special resolution to support donating to the largest comprehensive campaign ever launched to fund WCU students’ immediate needs — 150Forward: The Campaign for West Chester University. The gift, which will provide a perpetual source of annual funding through earned interest, will establish the Student Services Incorporated Presidential Endowment. The endowment will enable the University to provide the additional support needed to fuel student-related priorities, student scholarship/financial aid, academic and co-curricular programs, and technology initiatives.
“SSI has a long history of being a passionate supporter of West Chester University students,” says SSI Chair of the Board of Directors Bernie Carrozza. “We are happy to be able to help provide the type of resources and support that will enable bright minds and dreams to flourish. This endowment is quite intentional. It offers the flexibility to seize opportunities or to make strategic investments in initiatives and priorities focused on achieving the University’s mission of student success.”
The historic gift enables the student-focused campaign to move beyond the $50 million mark. Thanks to the unwavering support of donors who welcome the opportunity to help students navigate academic journeys, the campaign has reached 77% of its goal to raise $65 million by June 30, 2024.
“We are overwhelmed with the generosity of this gift,” says West Chester University President Chris Fiorentino. “SSI continues to demonstrate to our students that the organization believes in their abilities and continues to welcome making lasting investments in their educational goals. We are grateful to be able to align with a partner who has provided an intentional investment in the future of this University and in generations of students to come. I can think of no better way to honor West Chester University’s 150 Anniversary and to prepare for the next 150 forward.”
About Student Services, Incorporated
Student Services, Incorporated (SSI) is a not-for-profit organization designed to serve the students of West Chester University. The objective of the corporation is to initiate, regulate, and operate the financial matters of the University’s co-curricular student activities.