As you explore this year’s BUF Annual Impact Report, we hope you’ll see the impact that starts with you. Your support helps shape experiences, create opportunities, and change lives for CU-Bloomsburg students—because It Starts With Us.
Our collective success reached new heights this year as we launched The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us with a historic $100 million goal — a testament to the passion and dedication of alumni, donors, and friends who believe in the transformative power of a CU-Bloomsburg education. We also broke records for the number of major gifts closed, participation in our All In Day of Giving, and for the overall level of support provided to our students.
Behind every record-breaking number are the stories that matter most — students whose dreams are becoming reality through scholarships, hands-on learning, and opportunities that fuel their success. Your generosity helps us attract talented students, elevate their experiences, and prepare them to make a lasting impact in the workforce and beyond.
As we look ahead, we do so with confidence that our momentum will continue to build. The future is bright for CU-Bloomsburg students because of you — our alumni, donors, and partners — who know that it truly does start with us.
"The scholarships I received didn’t just ease the financial stress — they gave me the confidence and freedom to keep moving forward, even when things felt impossible. Because of the support of my donors, I discovered my purpose and the strength to become the person I always hoped I could be.”
– HAILEY HUKILL, '24
PIATKOWSKI FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
BY THE NUMBERS
This year’s results reflect the campaign’s three pillars—Attract, Elevate, Prepare—which expand access and enrich experiences, for every student. Fundraising milestones achieved during the 2024-25 academic year include the following highlights:
In new gifts and pledges were secured through donor- designated support, allowing us to celebrate another exceptional fundraising year.
Total donors came together to provide the resources our students need to succeed and enhance the campus community.
In total gifts that were available for immediate-use funding, allowing us to meet the needs of our students with maximum flexibility to respond to student needs.
In total gifts commited by donors who have included Bloomsburg in their future estate plans.
In scholarships and grants dispersed directly to CU-Bloomsburg students, marking the highest total in the Foundation’s history with
an increase of more than $2.3 million from 2023-24.
Donors made gifts of $25,000 or higher helping to create endowed scholarships—a record-breaking number of gifts at the endowment level—to provide support for generations of CU-Bloomsburg students.
“Playing basketball at Bloomsburg has pushed me to be better in every way — as a student, a teammate, and a person. My parents have sacrificed so much to help me chase this dream, and this scholarship means everything. It gives me the chance to keep grinding toward graduation, represent my team with pride, and build a future doing what I love.”
– SEAN HAUS, '26
ANONYMOUS BASKETBALL
ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
BLOOMSBURG LAUNCHES $100M CAMPAIGN
On a historic evening, Commonwealth University–Bloomsburg unveiled its largest fundraising initiative ever — The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us — setting an ambitious $100 million goal.
The campaign is built on three core pillars: Attract, Elevate, and Prepare — each designed to expand opportunity, enrich experience, and raise the bar for student success.
From scholarships to academic programming and hands-on learning experiences, this campaign is about more than a goal — it’s about changing lives.
The support we raise will help to ensure that all Huskies have access to resources and that every graduate leaves Bloomsburg ready to make an impact.
At the campaign’s kickoff, the momentum was unmistakable. A highlight of the evening was the announcement of a transformational gift — $6 million from Steph and Allie Pettit to establish a new Center for the Arts at Bloomsburg.
“Campaigns are a moment in time, and each campaign builds upon the previous one, helping us reach new heights of philanthropy in support of our students,” said VP of University Advancement, Erik Evans. “Now we strive to continue that momentum, and recognize we cannot do it without you!”
THANK YOU FOR A RECORD-BREAKING DAY OF SUCCESS
On April 10–11, our Husky community came together in historic fashion for the All In Day of Giving. More than 2,800 donors united around the cause of student success, unlocking a new record for participation and impact by raising $313,783 with an average gift of just over $110.
Fueled by challenge gifts and strategic matches exceeding $100,000, the campaign surged forward, demonstrating what can happen when our alumni, friends, and campus partners stand together.
From theatre and dance to athletics and experiential learning, gifts made during All In will go directly to support student scholarships, academic enrichment and high-impact opportunities. For example, the Arts emerged as a standout area of support — more than 100 donors gave to theatre, music, visual arts and literary programs, raising over $10,000.
“We can’t express how grateful we are to every individual who made a gift of any size — you made this moment possible,” said BUF Executive Director Jerome Dvorak. “You helped us exceed every expectation and reminded our students that their community believes in them.”
DONORS GO ALL IN AND RISE TO THE CHALLENGE
This year’s All In success started with the incredible generosity of donors who offered matching and challenge gifts. Their leadership inspired others and sparked friendly competition, helping turn momentum into record-setting results.
Tim and Carol Wagner, both 1974 graduates, made a challenge gift of $5,000, which helped inspire 50 donors to contribute more than $11,000 to general athletics.
Ed Brouse ’91 made a $1,000 challenge gift that spurred 63 donors to give just over $9,000 to support emergency scholarships.
Abby Manns ’08, Bloomsburg’s Director of Performing Arts, Professor Ethan Krupp, Director of Theatre, contributed $1,500 in challenge dollars to motivate more than 100 donors to support the arts.
Ronn Cort ’22H issued a $5,000 challenge that helped inspire 34 donors to contribute more than $20,000 to support Professional U.
With his $1,000 gift to All In, Dennis Siegmann ’68 successfully challenged 38 donors to join him in supporting Husky Wrestling.
THANK YOU TO OUR CHALLENGE AND MATCH DONORS
The 36 donors who offered matching and challenge gifts during this year’s All-In Day of Giving didn’t just give — they multiplied impact. Their more than $100,000 in leadership commitments inspired thousands of others to join in, unlocking new opportunities for students, and helped turn generosity into record-breaking results. Together, they showed exactly what It Starts With Us means — that when one act of generosity sparks another, we create lasting change for our students and our entire Husky community.
Steph ’89, ’19H and Allie ’25H Pettit have long been champions of Bloomsburg’s students — their leadership in supporting athletics has inspired generations of Huskies. Now, their generosity is shaping a new frontier of creativity with a transformational $6 million gift to establish the Steph and Allie Pettit Center for the Arts. This visionary investment will revitalize the Haas Center for the Performing Arts, provide state-of-the-art technology, and open new scholarship pathways for aspiring artists..
"Allie and I believe the arts have the power to change lives. Bloomsburg shaped who I am, and it’s an honor to give back to a place that means so much to me. Growing up in a home full of musicians, artists, and performers gave me a great appreciation for the power of music, art and performing arts. We hope this center becomes a place of pride and inspiration for everyone—and that it encourages others to join us in supporting the arts at Bloomsburg.”
– STEPH PETTIT ’89, ’19H
Pictured here is an artist’s rendering of the newly imagined space in the lobby, featuring a new stage for intimate performances.
This rendering highlights planned exterior upgrades, including dynamic LED lighting and two new second-floor windows that will showcase student art installations.
This concept image offers a look inside the envisioned auditorium, featuring dual LED screens designed to enhance visibility and create a more dynamic viewing experience.
The Pettits’ dedication to celebrating Bloomsburg’s spirit is also reflected in Sentinel (pictured here)—the first in a series of four bronze statues they have commissioned to honor the values that define Husky Pride: grit, determination, and unwavering strength. Together, their gifts capture the essence of Steph and Allie’s vision: a University where the arts and athletics, creativity and character, tradition and transformation all thrive side by side. Their generosity is a lasting reminder that at Bloomsburg, excellence in every form truly begins the same way — It Starts With Us.
IT STARTS WITH TEAMWORK
Donors, alumni, and fans came together to ensure our student-athletes have every opportunity to succeed. From scholarships to facility enhancements, their support is helping Huskies compete, learn, and lead at the highest level.
Tom Stiner ’76 committed a generous $195,000 gift to establish a new women’s basketball scholarship and to upgrade the court at Nelson Field House — underscoring his deep belief in Huskies athletics and student-success.
Jay ’07 and Ashley ’09 Collins deepened their impact on Bloomsburg Athletics with a new $100,000 commitment to the Jay and Ashley Collins Women’s Soccer Scholarship empowering student-athletes to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
Kent Smeltz ’82 pictured here with his scholarship recipients reaffirmed his dedication to Bloomsburg Athletics by renewing his Break the Chains Scholarship, a five-year, $325,000 commitment that will benefit student-athletes who excel both in their sports and in the classroom.
Steve Messner ’84 and his wife Laura continue to make a lasting impact on Bloomsburg Softball through the $100,000 gift to establish the Steve and Laura Messner Softball Spring Training Endowed Program Fund. This gift ensures long-term support for the team—providing resources that enhance the student-athlete experience, strengthen the program, and sustain its tradition of excellence for future generations.
MAJOR GIFTS DRIVE MOMENTUM
IT STARTS WITH VISION
Your passion for our students drives us forward.
In the 2024-25 academic
year, BU Foundation donors made a record
major gifts of
or higher — each one an investment in our students, programs, and the future of our University.
These gifts provide students with what they need most — access and opportunity. From scholarships that remove financial barriers to resources that enhance learning and growth, donor generosity is ensuring every Husky has the tools to succeed. Together, we’re creating a culture of possibility and proving that at Bloomsburg, student success truly starts with us.
Joe Jacques ’74 has made a $250,000 commitment to advance high-impact learning in the Zeigler College of Business—funding Professional Experience Grants (PEGs) and 12 new scholarships that expand access to hands-on learning and financial support for accounting students. His generosity ensures future Huskies gain the practical skills and opportunities they need to thrive in business and beyond.
Greg ’01 and Jennifer ’02 Bowden have elevated their commitment to Husky students by increasing the Bowden Family Leadership Scholarship to a $50,000 endowment level with an additional $30,000 gift. Their meaningful investment supports sophomores and juniors who demonstrate humility, collaboration, and service—and reinforces their belief that when alumni step up, it starts with us.
Inspired by the return of Coach John Stutzman, Bloomsburg wrestling great Rich Perry ’14 and his wife Gina are giving back to the program that shaped him by creating the Rich and Gina Perry Wrestling Scholarship. Their gift will directly enhance the Husky Wrestling program—supporting scholarships for scholar-athletes, improving facilities, and helping attract top academic and athletic recruits. Through their generosity, the Perrys are ensuring that the tradition of toughness, excellence, and pride that defines Bloomsburg Wrestling continues to thrive for years to come.
Recent graduate Cade Bleashka ’23 BBA, ’24 MA demonstrated extraordinary generosity by establishing a $50,000 endowed fund to support accounting students in the Zeigler College of Business—a gift rooted in his own first-generation journey and the transformative scholarship support he received. His commitment ensures future Huskies gain access to the same opportunities he embraced, and shows that leadership in philanthropy isn’t just for alumni decades beyond graduation—it starts with us, right now.
SECURING THE FUTURE STARTS WITH US
Your legacy is more than a gift — it’s a promise to future Huskies. Through future giving, alumni and friends are ensuring that Bloomsburg students have access to the scholarships, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed for generations to come.
When you include Bloomsburg in your estate plans, you’re helping ensure that It Starts With Us today — and continues with every student tomorrow.
To learn more about creating your own legacy at Bloomsburg, click here.
Joshua Payne ’89 has made a visionary $3.5 million future-gift commitment to support scholarships and Professional Experience Grants (PEGs) for students in the College of Health, Science, and Technology.
“Bloomsburg shaped who I am, and this is my way of giving back in a meaningful way. It’s about more than scholarships—it’s about creating opportunities for students to gain the confidence and skills they need to succeed.”
– JOSHUA PAYNE '89
Marc ’93 and Diane Steckel have made an extraordinary commitment to Bloomsburg’s future through a future gift estimated at $1.3 million to increase their commitment to the Marc and Diane Steckel Honors Scholarship. Their legacy will provide lasting support for students in the Honors College.
“Bloomsburg has always been a place where hard work and opportunity meet. We hope this scholarship helps future students discover their potential, pursue their passions, and carry forward the tradition of excellence that defines Bloomsburg.”
– MARC STECKEL ’93
