West Chester University to Honor
President Christopher M. Fiorentino
April 26 at 12 p.m.
WEST CHESTER, PA — Question: When a beloved university president prepares to retire
following 41 years of dedicated service to a single institution, what happens? Answer:
A university gathers hundreds of its students, staff, faculty, alumni, and community
friends to launch a “This is Your Life” themed celebration — with a purple and gold
twist. West Chester University President Christopher M. Fiorentino will be honored
in a campus-wide “This is Your WCU” Legacy Celebration on April 26, from 12-1 p.m.,
in Emilie K Asplundh Concert Hall, located at 700 South High Street in West Chester.
Lunch on the Academic Quad will immediately follow where those in attendance will
have the opportunity to share their personal well-wishes with President Fiorentino
and his family. Members of the Chester County community are invited to attend the
celebration. (In case of rain, lunch will be held in Hollinger Field House on north
campus.)
As President Fiorentino prepares to retire on June 30, he will be treated to a golden day in his honor that will draw surprise friends from near and far to help celebrate a transformative leader, committed scholar, and forever Golden Ram. Among the afternoon’s highlights will be visits from special friends bearing the unexpected; heartfelt tributes personally written by members of the University community; performances by Wells School of Music students, including a special performance by members of the Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band; several videos highlighting a legendary career with images that have not been seen before; and other surprises. Rammy, the University’s golden mascot, will also be on hand to make a special presentation.
In addition to the University, members of the greater Chester County community also welcome expressing their gratitude to the visionary CEO who has left an indelible mark on the region. On May 15, the leader of the largest university within Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education will be inducted into the Chester County Hall of Fame by the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC). President Fiorentino will be honored before an anticipated audience of more than 400 business leaders at the Phoenixville Foundry.
Recently, during a tribute held at the University’s College of Business & Public Management that drew many members of the Chester County region as well as faculty and staff, President Fiorentino was awarded a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by Downtown West Chester, the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, and the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce.
The award was presented as a surprise to West Chester University’s 15th president.
In an interview following the presentation, President Fiorentino said, "I am deeply moved and humbled by this award. It has truly been the greatest honor and privilege of my professional life to have served the Chester County community, our partners, our neighbors, as well as all the students, faculty, staff, and alumni who make West Chester University what it is today. Working together, we have shared in a vision of student success, and we have made a difference in so very many lives.”