| Message from the President |
 |
|
Last month, I had the opportunity to share reflections from my first 14 months as president and outline a framework for a university-wide action plan that we can work on together as we move WCU forward. Our three drivers — Be Better, Think Bigger, and Foster Moments — call on every member of our community to help advance us from almost awesome to truly awesome. One of our top priorities is expanding experiential learning so that every student can access life-changing opportunities, regardless of major or financial resources. I invite you to take a look at the following web page, which will provide more information about how we can work together to help our students even more:
The WCU Action Plan »
Thank you for your enthusiasm to play an important role in West Chester's exciting journey ahead.
Yours,
Laurie
|
|
| Campus News |
 |
| WCU Announces School of Nursing at Anniversary Celebration for its Nursing Programs' 50+ Years |
|
On Saturday, October 25, WCU celebrated the 50+ anniversary of its Nursing Programs. Nursing students led tours of an impressive, technologically-advanced Duey Immersive Learning Center and guests viewed a retrospective display of historical nursing photos and artifacts from across the years.
Among the artifacts featured were a 1970’s nursing cap, as well as one of the first official nursing pins distributed in 1976. Nursing’s dramatic transformation was also shared through the personal stories of alumni and faculty who talked as panelists about evolving healthcare challenges and the profession’s sweeping changes.
The event culminated in an official announcement that in January 2026, the Department of Nursing will officially become the School of Nursing within the College of Health Sciences.
Read More »
|
 |
| WCU Museum Opens "Panel by Panel: The Social and Cultural Impact of Comics" |
|
The newest exhibition at WCU's Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology delves into the history and nuances of political cartoons, manga, graphic novels, and Marvel and DC superheroes, exploring the history, development, and artistic craft of comics; their impact on education, commerce, and collecting culture; and their reflection of society’s treatment of diverse genders, sexualities, races, and religions.
Among the authentic artifacts on display are some of the earliest comics published in the United States by the “father of American political cartoons” Thomas Nast; 19th-century Darktown and Punch comics; stained glass windows; and even original sketches by Spider-Man creator Steve Ditko.
The youngest museum visitors can try their hand at making their own comics with materials provided in the exhibition, which is free and open to the public and runs through December 31st.
Read More »
|
|
|
 |
|
Volunteering with West Chester University means making a real difference.
The WCU Alumni Association and the Office of Alumni Engagement invite you to join fellow Golden Rams in supporting student success, strengthening our alumni community, and carrying forward WCU's proud tradition of service. Whether you lend your expertise, share your story, or cheer on our students, your involvement helps shape the next generation of leaders. Discover ways to get involved and sign up today at www.wcualumni.org/volunteer.
Current Opportunities:
Roaming Rams Spirit Day
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
(flexible shift)
Volunteer »
December Cap & Gown Distribution*
Monday – Thursday
December 1–4, 2025
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
(2-hour shifts)
Volunteer »
Evenings with Santa*
Wednesday December 3, 2024
Thursday, December 4, 2025
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm
(1.75-hour shifts)
Volunteer »
*Due to the nature of the volunteer options, Cap & Gown Distribution and Evenings with Santa are featured on separate sign-up pages.
|
|
| Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Boyle '23 |
 |
|
Taylor Boyle ’23 is known to the University community as a force for change.
As assistant director of events and communications for the West Chester University Foundation, Boyle has focused her career on philanthropy, nonprofit advocacy, and women’s empowerment. Her deep connection to WCU, both as an interdisciplinary studies major and now as an alumna, has allowed her to make a lasting impact on the University community and beyond.
“Empowering others, especially women, has always been the driving force behind everything I do,” Boyle said. “Whether it’s breaking down educational barriers or giving women with disabilities the tools to lead, I believe in creating spaces where individuals can realize their worth, unlock their full potential, and create opportunities to give back.”
Boyle’s passion for advocacy and philanthropy began long before her time at WCU. As a high school sophomore in Delaware County, she founded Pause for a Cause, an organization that raised awareness for underrepresented health issues like autism, heart disease, suicide prevention, and Alzheimer’s.
Read More »
|
| Flash Sale! Perfect Gift for WCU Alumni |
 |
|
$75 Until November 30th!
($125 Value)
Named after Grace D. McCarthy, the first Dean of Women at WCU, McCarthy Hall was a dormitory on campus located at the corner of Sharpless and Church Streets. Although the building no longer stands, the mailbox doors were salvaged, and a local craftsman turned them into beautiful banks using wood from trees throughout Chester County.
Get a Piece of WCU History »
|
|
|
| Upcoming Events |
|
|
Athletic Training Alumni Chapter Continuing Education Opportunity
Alumni Speaker Scott P. Sheridan, MS, PT, ATC, CSCS, Director of Sports Medicine and Performance – Umpire Administration for Major League Baseball will present "Evaluation and Treatment of the Overhead Athlete" live via Zoom (participants can view the webinar at a later date and still receive credit).
Register » |
|
|
Science on Tap
Dr. Tom Kwiatkowski from the WCU Department of Chemistry hosts "The Chemistry of Beer: The Molecular Magic of Brewing, Tasting, and Metabolizing Beer" at Barnaby's West Chester. Free and open to the public!
More Info » |
|
|
Fall Graduate School Open House
Join us for an Open House where you'll have the opportunity to learn more about your specific program of interest, meet with program coordinators and faculty, discuss affordability and financing options with financial aid officers, explore graduate assistantship options, and receive a $50 application fee waiver for attending!
Register » |
|
|
An Evening with Santa
Before making his big trip around the world, Santa is stopping by WCU! Join us to make fun family memories — enjoy arts and crafts, pizza from America's Pie, hot cocoa, story readings, and cookie decorating. Be sure to bring your camera because the evening wouldn't be complete without a photo with the guest of honor.
Register » |
|
|
A Sensory-Friendly Evening with Santa
In an effort to better support all of our families, the WCU Alumni Association has partnered with the Dub-C Autism Program to provide a sensory-friendly visit with Santa with arts and crafts, pizza from America's Pie, hot cocoa, story readings, cookie decorating, and a quiet room available throughout the event.
Register » |
|
|
104th Annual Wells School of Music Holiday Program
A focal point of the community since 1921, the Holiday Program features both sacred and secular music. This year's concert brings the magic of the season to new heights with our symphony orchestra, combined choirs, Criterions, and the WCU Pops orchestra.
Purchase Tickets » |
|
|
Alumni Weekend
It's YOUR weekend! Each year during Alumni Weekend, the campus comes alive as alumni, friends, and family reunite to reminisce and make new memories.
Save the Date » |
| |
| Alumni just like you help to make a difference every day. |
|
|
|
| Trivia Time |
 |
|
WCU’s Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology is serving as a trusted resource for middle schoolers competing in the FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge. What is this year's theme?
Submit your answer to alumni@wcufoundation.org and reference "Ramblings Trivia" in the subject line. Two winners will be randomly selected from the submissions to win this WCU Golden Rams plaid flannel blanket.
Congratulations to our October winners — Michelle Low '13 and Georganne (Bechtel) Shepherd '71 — who will each receive a West Chester stadium seat.
October Trivia
Q: What School will our Golden Rams Football team take on at the last home game of the season?
A: Assumption University
|
West Chester University Alumni Association
202 Carter Drive | West Chester, PA 19382
610-436-2813 | alumni@wcufoundation.org |
|