by Kathryn Henriksen '24

David McIlwaine '80, a native of Millersville, sought a life beyond his hometown's confines. His journey led him to Bloomsburg University, where he found a place that resonated deeply with him. "The allure of Bloomsburg was undeniable; other state schools simply paled in comparison," he reflects. Engaging actively in campus life, he embraced opportunities, from donning the football jersey in his freshman year to contributing to the CGA and participating in intramural basketball.

Throughout his tenure at Bloomsburg, David credits much of his achievements to the exemplary mentorship of his business professors. After graduating from Bloomsburg with a bachelor's degree in management, he felt the transformative impact of his Bloomsburg education when he pursued his master's at Drexel University. "I entered the MBA program with a sense of confidence and readiness, thanks to the unparalleled education I received at Bloomsburg," he affirms.

Merely seven and a half years after his graduation, David embarked on his entrepreneurial journey, establishing his HVAC business. "The foundational knowledge I gained in accounting during my college years equipped me with the insight needed to navigate bank financing, which was instrumental in launching my venture," he explains. Today, his business spans 15 locations across 5 states, from Virginia to New York, serving as a testament to the transformative power of a Bloomsburg education.

David's success ignited his passion to support budding business enthusiasts, exemplified through his scholarship. "I'm deeply committed to paying it forward, fueled by my profound gratitude for the education I received at Bloomsburg," he shares. Giving since his graduation, he shows his commitment to supporting higher education and has recently established a planned gift of $150,000 for high achieving business students like himself. By creating this opportunity, he endeavors to inspire and empower aspiring students to pursue their educational dreams and achieve post-collegiate success.

"I'm driven by a desire to give back, to extend the same opportunities that were afforded to me, and to foster the next generation of leaders," David concludes, embodying the spirit of excellence and generosity instilled by his alma mater.