Ramblings23
November 2023 Visit Our Website
Message from the President

VeteransDayPL2023

To those who currently serve or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, your patriotism is to be recognized, appreciated, and honored.

Veterans Day is a special day dedicated to paying tribute to those from our University, our hometowns, our neighborhoods – including family and friends – who have dedicated themselves to our country in ways that benefit all of us. Professor of History Bob Kodosky, who is pictured (in the purple jacket) with his students at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., often says, “Hearing the stories of our veterans and actively listening to their experiences is important; it goes beyond expressing thanks for their service.”

West Chester University has a long-standing commitment to our military students and their stories. You might be interested to know that our program has once again been awarded gold-level military-friendly status for commitment to student veterans in the 2023-24 academic year. Today, we celebrated our ROTC Cadets and student veterans at the Military Scholarship Ceremony held at the WCU Foundation.

I’m proud of the support we offer our student veterans, military service members, reservists, and their families. Between the University, WCU Foundation, and WCU Alumni Association, we will be sure to continue to serve this population of students; they deserve nothing less after everything they have given us.

President Christopher M. Fiorentino

Campus News
WCU
WCU Swimmer Among the Top 30 Candidates for NCAA Woman of the Year Award 

Ann Carozza '23 has been named one of the Top 30 candidates for the NCAA Woman of the Year award, marking the third such selection for the University in four years.

Carozza's outstanding achievements include her two-time NCAA Division II national champion titles in the 200-yard butterfly for 2022 and 2023, along with Division II records in the 100-yard butterfly and the 200 butterfly. She holds an impressive tally of eight PSAC records and 10 West Chester records.

Beyond her athletic feats, Carozza was recognized as the 2023 Philadelphia Area Sports Information Directors Association All-Area Performer of the Year. Additionally, she has contributed to her community by coaching the Rammies Special Olympics swim team.

AnnCarozza
Read the full story »
WCU Foundation
President’s Circle Honors Donors

On October 26th, we gathered for the President’s Circle Ceremony, an annual event hosted by President Fiorentino that celebrates WCU’s most generous and loyal donors and community partners – members of our Heritage Society (lifetime giving) and Carillon Society (consecutive giving) – and recognizes recipients of the President’s Award.

Selected by the President, this award honors donors who inspire others through their philanthropy and volunteerism. The 2023 honorees are: Kathleen Hassinger ’80, M’86 and Edward J. Boyer ’78 (1956-2020); Anita Foeman, PhD; Dianne and Michael Peich; and GFWC The New Century Club of West Chester. Read more about them here and check out photos from the evening.

President's Circle 2023

 
Alumni Spotlight – Philip Pinti '05

Phil Pinti Nov Ramblings

Philip Pinti is a former Marine and a West Chester University alumnus who graduated in 2005 with a degree in criminal justice.
During his time at WCU, he was a member of the rugby team and had a passion for athletics.

He also met his wife at WCU, Jennifer Rosenthal '05. They married and had two children. Phil faced the unimaginable loss of Jenn to stage-4 lung cancer at just 33 years old. Left to raise their two young children on his own, Phil turned to ultra-marathon running to cope with his grief.

The documentary A Long Way From Nowhere allows us to witness the incredible physical and emotional journey of the WCU alum as he participates in the grueling 150-mile Desert RATS Stage Race through the Colorado desert. Despite the intense heat, rugged terrain, and daunting distance, Phil perseveres through his own physical and emotional challenges, demonstrating an inspiring level of determination, resilience, and strength.

Throughout the documentary, Phil reflects on the role that running has played in his healing process, both physically and emotionally. Running has become a way for him to cope with his grief, connect with others, and find a sense of purpose and strength. Phil's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of endurance athletics. His story is a reminder of the strength and grit that are hallmarks of service members.

He continues to run and share his story. Just last month he ran the Marine Corps Marathon in D.C. You can find A Long Way From Nowhere here. 

Profile Update
Get Involved
Alumni Benefits
Upcoming Events
Nov
13
Global Entrepreneurship Week
It's West Chester University's Global Entrepreneurship Week. Join the Cottrell Center in several events throughout the week. 
More info »
 
NoV
14
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!
More info »
 
Nov
15
CCESI Open House
Learn more about the Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact.
More info »
 
Nov
16
Alumni Speaker Series with Robyn Callahan '01
Join the College of Arts and Humanities for a conversation with Robyn Callahan '01 and Professor Juliet Wunsch! Robyn's career began in live broadcasts and un-scripted TV, laying the foundation for her current role with Program Productions/Finley Road Partners.
Register »
 
Nov
19
WCU Baseball-Softball Galore & More Bingo
Join us in Sturzebecker Health Science Center for Galore & More Bingo, in support of the WCU Baseball and Softball programs. Prizes include designer handbags, gift cards, and other brand name products. 
Register »
 

DEC
9
102nd Annual Holiday Program
Annual Holiday Program has been a staple of the West Chester University holiday season since its inception in 1921 and remains a focal point of the community. This year’s performance will include our symphony orchestra, combined choirs, Criterions and will feature Monteverdi's delightful, charming "Beatus vir."
Tickets »
 
April
19 - 21
Alumni Weekend 2024
Every year during Alumni Weekend, the campus comes alive as alumni, friends and family return to campus for three days of reminiscing and making new memories. Save the date!


See All Upcoming Events »
 

If your company is interested in being an official event sponsor, please reach out to us at
pvillagra@wcufoundation.org.

 
Looking for the perfect gift for WCU Alumni?
Get them a McCarthy Hall Mailbox Bank! 
 
McCarthyMailbox

Named after 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 dorm no longer stands, the mailbox doors were salvaged, and a local craftsman turned them into beautiful banks.

Gift a piece of WCU history »
 

 
Diploma Frame Nov Sm
Honor your accomplishments with a custom diploma frame!
Get free shipping when you order by Dec. 12.
Use code: GRAD

Buy now »

 
Alumni just like you help to make a difference every day.
Make a Gift
Trivia Time
MugTrivia
Name three resources provided by the Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center Lounge.

Submit your answer to alumni@wcufoundation.org and reference “Ramblings Trivia” in the subject line. Four winners will be randomly selected from the submissions to win this mug.

Congratulations to our October winners – Bart C. Tuttle ’79, Adam Pave ’04, Juliana Denick ’22 and Skylar Kelly ’23 
who each received a WCU quarter zip!

October Trivia
Q: What is WCU's official newspaper called?
A: The Quad
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