A Lasting Commitment to Opportunity - John Wolak '82 and the Power of Planning Ahead

For John Wolak '82, education has always represented more than a degree — it has been a gateway to opportunity, growth, and a better future.

As the oldest of two boys and the first in his family to attend college, John knew early on that higher education would require commitment and sacrifice. Growing up in northern New Jersey, he was eager to experience life beyond his hometown. He wanted a university that was financially reasonable, academically strong, and close enough to home to feel attainable — but far enough away to encourage independence.

Bloomsburg stood out.

At the time, John had a general interest in accounting and finance, and Bloomsburg's reputation in those fields, combined with its smaller campus environment, made it the right fit. He put himself through school and graduated in 1982 with a bachelor's degree in accounting and finance — a milestone that would shape the rest of his professional life.

After graduation, John spent several years working in accounting before continuing his education at the University of Notre Dame, where he earned his MBA and, upon graduation, started his career in investment banking and private equity. The experience proved transformative.

"Notre Dame opened my eyes," John reflected. "The scale of the institution, the resources available, and the overall student experience made me realize that not everyone starts from the same place in life."

That realization stayed with him throughout his career, including his time at Morgan Stanley, where mentors and colleagues helped guide him toward professional success. Along the way, John became increasingly aware of how pivotal access, support, and encouragement can be — especially for students who may not have a financial safety net.

Looking back, Bloomsburg held a special place in that journey.

"Bloomsburg offered something incredibly important," he said. "The quality of the educators and the smaller class sizes meant professors took the time to work with you. It was a place where you could grow — academically and personally — and really mature as an adult."

That belief has guided John's philanthropic involvement with CU-Bloomsburg.

Today, he supports the University in several meaningful ways. John has established an annual scholarship for finance majors, helping students pursue the same academic path that launched his career. He also provides emergency scholarship support to students facing urgent financial challenges — assistance offered on an as-needed basis to help students stay enrolled when unexpected circumstances arise.

For John, these gifts are about meeting students where they are.

"Sometimes students just need a little help at the right moment," he shared. "Those moments can determine whether someone stays in school or has to step away."

To read more about The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us, or to make a gift of your own, visit https://giving.bloomu.edu/the-campaign-for-bloomsburg-it-starts-with-us.