Stories of Impact & Support
Stories
Every individual who has been influenced by their Husky experience has a personal story to tell. A first-generation college student. A dedicated teacher. A record-setting student-athlete. A successful alumnus. These stories illustrate our University’s commitment to preparing students for personal and professional success. Each success and moment in time combines to create an even bigger picture — that among the Bloomsburg family, each of us has the opportunity to make an impact on those experiences.
Alumnus Richard C. White ’78 has pledged $40,000 to the Geoscience Student-Faculty Research Fund at Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg, a gift that reflects his decades-long connection to ...
Inspired by the mentors, teammates, and experiences that shaped his life, Josh Klingerman '21 partnered with The Dunn Group to establish a new scholarship supporting Professional Sales students ...
Judy Wolf '62 wanted to make a gift to help deserving students, but she also needed to supplement her income. Creating a charitable gift annuity allowed her to do both.
Former Bloomsburg University football star and NFL great Jahri Evans '07 was inducted into the university's Wall of Distinction on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, in a ceremony on campus. Located n...
From life-changing second chances to a lasting legacy, Hakeem and Coleen Thomas are transforming their Bloomsburg journey into new opportunities for future Huskies through two meaningful endowed...
Scott ’81 and Vickie Feinstein ’83 are making a lasting impact by supporting Bloomsburg’s ASL and English Interpreting program. Through their endowed gift, they are expanding hands-on learning o...
Ronn Cort, board member of the Bloomsburg University Foundation and longtime advocate for students at Commonwealth University — Bloomsburg (CU-Bloomsburg), has established a $250,000 plann...
A first-generation alumnus who put himself through Bloomsburg, John Wolak '82 is paying it forward through thoughtful planning, supporting scholarships and emergency aid that help students...
The Claudia J. Thrush Memorial Scholarship will support students from Bloomsburg Area High School who, like Claudia, pursue a degree in accounting or business at Bloomsburg. The fund also establ...
When Coach Burt Reese reached out to Roland Lamy '91 asking him to add Bloomsburg to his list of college possibilities, Roland was skeptical. "I had no idea what Bloomsburg University was ...
Dennis Siegmann '68 spent more than 37 years in public education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. A career path he never really saw for himself as a young man.
"No one in my family went to college," said Barbara Romano '83. She never even considered college as a high school student.
For Mark Keyser '75, who grew up in Lewisburg, PA, the idea of going to a big school wasn't very appealing. After visiting several colleges, he chose to attend Bloomsburg because of the sm...
As a first-generation college student, and the third of six children, Linda Williams '77 wasn't exactly sure what she was going to do with her life, but she knew she was going to make some...
"I wish I had done this sooner," says Sheri A. Lippowitsch '81, of her recent gift to BU. "I've been giving ever since I graduated in the 80s. I was planning to put BU in my will anyway; w...
David Little '94 recently established a scholarship in honor of his cherished friend and fellow Bloomsburg graduate, Todd Hitz '93. This scholarship stands as a tribute to Todd's memory and a te...
Ed Piatkowski ’86 understands the value of a BU degree and how that value changes as time goes by, at least to the student who receives it.
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.
Greg Viola '71, will always hold Bloomsburg University close to his heart. Their many family trips taken to BU over the years would eventually lead to both of their children, Gregory '93, ...
Through their generosity, Michael and Michele hope to empower students pursuing their academic and personal aspirations. They envision scholarship recipients who embrace the excitement of accoun...
Natalie frequently reflects on the impact of the scholarship, recognizing the invaluable support it has provided her throughout her academic journey. Her appreciation for the donor's generosity ...
Syheed's journey from a place of limited opportunities to academic and entrepreneurial success serves as an inspiration to others. His commitment to higher education is reflected in the Dr. Syhe...
Guided by the love of his family and the echoes of his career aspirations, Angel's path was illuminated by the financial support he’s received through the Drs. Theodore and Lorraine Shanoski Sch...
Arlene Superko ’45 understood firsthand the transformative power of a Bloomsburg education. Throughout her life, she remained deeply grateful for the opportunities her degree provided and was co...
Diohana's story is a reminder of the importance of community support in empowering individuals to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. The generosity of donors who contribute to funds li...
From his remarkable achievements on the football field to the serendipitous meeting with his future wife, Danny attributes the person he is today to the connections forged at Bloomsburg. This pr...
Hugh Dempsey '70, '75 M has been passionate about his Catholic faith for as long as he can remember. As a student at Bloomsburg, he often found himself longing for a place where he could c...
At the Annual Zeigler Institute for Professional Development Conference, each year, are the alumni and volunteers who return to make it a success. We are incredibly thankful for our loyal donors...
"I believe it's the foundation you build that sets you on the right path to success and for me, that foundation was Bloomsburg," says George Antochy '79 retired United states Army Colonel ...
Career Pathways in Science and Technology is an annual event that offers students a valuable opportunity to explore a wide range of career options within the fields of science and technology. It...
Bella Culp, a standout student-athlete at Bloosmburg, is not only a dedicated field hockey and softball player but also the proud recipient of the Bowden Family Scholarship. Earlier this semest...
Philadelphia native Kimberly Abney will be the first to tell you she wasn't ready for the academic challenges ahead when she came to Bloomsburg University. After earning a 3.0 grade point ...
Earlier this semester, over 150 scholarship recipients participated in BU Foundation's annual Gratitude Days, where they expressed their thanks to the donors who support their academic goals. St...
As a first generation college student, Marc Steckel '93 learned that one's success is most often achieved with the help of others, a lesson he vowed to share when he could. As a Mitrani Sc...
After impacting the lives of thousands of students throughout the country and across the globe since they started their teaching careers in the early 1970s, Bob and JoAnn are creating an even gr...
"When Bernie began teaching at Bloomsburg, that's when he found his home. He absolutely loved it there." That's what Kathleen Dill '72 said as she recalled the couple's early educational and pro...
For Bob Meeker '75, it all began in 1971 when Bloomsburg offered him a chance to prove himself during the summer as a probationary student, or "probie." If he performed well, he could return as ...
“Having scholarships, I would say, definitely has pushed me harder to maintain my good grades, and just staying on the right track, as well as pouring myself back into the Bloomsburg commu...
Dr. Stephanie Turrise '95 is an accomplished nursing professional who has made significant contributions to the field of healthcare. She earned her BSN from Bloomsburg's Nursing Program and subs...
For Matt Thran '84, originally from Whippany, NJ, his decision to attend Bloomsburg significantly impacted his future. But for Matt, it wasn't just his experiences or what he learned that made t...
“We wanted to join the Huskies All-In Giving Challenge to help build and grow that foundation of donor support that a school like Bloomsburg needs to help all its students succeed. That starts w...
Paul Clifford and his wife Jennefer, both members of Bloomsburg University's graduating class of 1996, wanted to make a gift that could foster an experience for other students similar to w...
From meeting on campus as first-year students to starting their lives together after graduation, Anne ’79 and Charlie Wilson ’79 attribute a great deal of success to their time as undergrad stud...
"When I started at BU in 1952, I was 17 years old," says Morrie Schultz '59, "I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life and I struggled with school my first year."
Barbara Connor ’66 knew she wanted to be a teacher since she was a little girl, when she would come home from school and play school. She always loved learning and how it felt when she connected...
Six Bloomsburg students recently had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty at the National Collegiate Soil Judging contest held in Woodward, OK. They were able to ta...
Five years ago, BU Head Baseball Coach Mike Collins began brainstorming with baseball alumni on ways to provide professional opportunities for his players. His goal was to show them that their f...
Growing up in Bloomsburg, hearing the stories of what BU was like from when my mom and dad attended, then seeing my sister also go on to become a Husky, coming to BU was pretty much a fore...
Thanks to the support she's received from Donors, she is not only on track to complete her degree, she's actually set to finish in three years. She was able to do that because of gifts to the Bl...
"Without the gifts I received from donors, I don’t know if I would still be here, let alone having a successful year," says Gabi. "The scholarships I received served as a reminder that som...
Maggie went home for her first spring break and didn’t return to campus for almost a year due to the COVID 19 pandemic. Just before the pandemic, her dad lost his job of more than 20 years...
Thanks to the generosity of donors and the support of the Student Veterans Association at BU, Charlie was able to make a smooth transition, not just from a financial perspective but also i...
Even when she was a little girl, Kara always knew she wanted to work in healthcare. It was about the time she was a junior in high school that she decided to pursue a career in nursing. Wh...
Hailey Hukill’s journey to Bloomsburg is a testament to the transformative power of community and support—a story that reflects the spirit of “The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us.”
Lizmeidy "Liz" Hernandez '20 benefited greatly from Donor Support during her time here at BU. From scholarships, to professional experience grants (PEGs) that provided her the opportunity to stu...
When Dennis Siegmann ’68 stepped foot on Bloomsburg University’s campus for his first semester, it looked quite different than it does today. He found the most palpable thing about the universit...
As a first-generation college student himself, Dr. Michael Martin, Associate Professor English and Director of the Professional Writing and Digital Rhetoric Program at BU, knows firsthand what a...
When Regina (Gina) Hitcho Garretson ‘69/’72 MA began her undergraduate degree at Bloomsburg, she discovered her deep passion for special education. Her time at BU fostered her love for helping s...
Steve has been a loyal donor to BU students for many years. Prior to establishing his scholarship, Steve made an annual gift to the Delta Pi/Sigma Pi alumni sc...
Emergency Scholarships come in all shapes and sizes, tailored to help each student with their unique circumstances.
Eduardo “Ed” Ramos is a long-time BU donor and volunteer, specifically as a participant in BU’s ZIPD conference. He is grateful for the experience to give back and help students realize their fu...
Brittney, who completed her MBA in 2021, knows and cherishes the value of her BU education. Ever since she was a young girl, the Bloomsburg native knew she wanted to go to BU to get her degree, ...
Scholarships play a major role when it comes to impacting student success. Sometimes, they inspire students to strive for more. That was exactly the case for Collin.
For Huskies like Luna, scholarships are more than just financial support. They are the key to making her BU experience more than just getting her degree.
Nya Johnson ’24 knew the moment she arrived at BU for her first visit that this was where she wanted to spend her next four years.
Scholarships build confidence and help students achieve success by showing them that hard work pays off. That was especially true for Portia Woodward, a senior Art History major from Sweet Valle...
For Tyshaun Pollard ’21, a first-generation college student from Harrisburg, PA, the scholarships he received transformed his life while also helping him realize his lifelong dream of playing co...
Twin sisters Finn and Luka Joy would not be at Bloomsburg without the scholarships they received. And that would have been a missed opportunity for them and the University.
Giving back to BU has always been important to Eric Pettis and his family. He began with a gift of ten dollars the year after he graduated and grew his support until he eventually created the Pe...
Proud Huskies like John often support multiple initiatives throughout the year to help BU students. John has been a loyal supporter to BU since graduating in 1990. In fact, he hasn’t missed maki...
When Lamar Oglesby ’07 first arrived at Bloomsburg, he wasn’t fully prepared for the academic rigors of college. But thanks to some good advice and mentors who pointed him in the right direction...
Cheryl Tedder grew up in the Philadelphia area, and when it was time to start looking at colleges, she visited several state schools because she knew that would be the most affordable option for...
Scholarships made the difference for Ashley. After applying to six schools and being accepted at each of them, Ashley made her choice to become a Husky when she received her scholarship offers ...
The gift of a Professional Experience Grant (PEG) created an opportunity for Allison Sowers to develop a deeper understanding of herself and the world she lives in during a recent internsh...
Today's graduates begin their careers idealistically and enthusiastically with a goal to do "good work," i.e., work characterized by Excellence, Engagement, and Ethics. A newly-established...
Jason Stone, a senior biochemistry major from Dresher, won first place for his oral presentation on his research at the 84th Annual Intercollegiate Chemist Convention, held virtually and hosted ...
In 2014, Michael '85 and his wife Beth Boguski of Mechanicsburg committed a major gift to the Bloomsburg University Foundation through a planned gift in their will.
They met at a Fall dance in the Husky Lounge in September of 1962. Tom, a biology major, was a sophomore. Ceil, a freshman, was majoring in mathematics with a minor in French. Both were wo...
At BU, Jack Wise '67 was a National Science Foundation scholarship recipient and the epitome of a well-rounded student, succeeding academically, and active in both the arts and athletics.<...
"Wearing the 'Bloomsburg beanie.'"
That's the very first memory John Marzano '74 has from his days at BU. "I recall freshman had three days of orientation prior to the start of classes. I...
A $700,000 gift from the estate of John Enman, Ph.D., professor emeritus of geography at Bloomsburg University will further support students, faculty and programs in the department of Envi...
For Michael Anthony ’86, education was not just a stepping stone—it was a life-changing experience. His time at Bloomsburg provided not only a strong academic foundation but also friendshi...
Philadelphia native Ayana J. Bennett '10 never dreamed of going to college because no one in her family ever had. She never even talked to anyone about the possibility as she was growing u...