A $3.5 million gift from Student Services, Incorporated (SSI) — the largest cash donation ever made to West Chester University — will be presented during a Gift Agreement Signing and Check Presentation Celebration on Tuesday, March 22 at 3 PM in the Philips Autograph Library.

Bernie Carrozza, the Chair of SSI’s Board of Directors, and SSI Executive Director Donna Snyder will publicly sign the gift agreement and present the transformational check to WCU President Chris Fiorentino. The presentation of the historic gift coincides with the university’s 150th anniversary this year; a celebratory toast will follow.

SSI’s Board of Directors approved a special resolution to support donating to the largest comprehensive campaign ever launched to fund WCU students’ immediate needs, 150Forward: The Campaign for West Chester University. The gift, which will provide a perpetual source of annual funding through earned interest, will establish the Student Services Incorporated Presidential Endowment. The endowment will enable the university to provide the additional support needed to fuel student-related priorities, student scholarship/financial aid, academic and co-curricular programs, and technology initiatives.

“SSI has a long history of being a passionate supporter of West Chester University students,” said Carrozza. “We are happy to be able to help provide the type of resources and support that will enable bright minds and dreams to flourish. This endowment is quite intentional. It offers the flexibility to seize opportunities or to make strategic investments in initiatives and priorities focused on achieving the university’s mission of student success.”

The historic gift enables the student-focused campaign to move beyond the $50 million mark. Thanks to the unwavering support of donors who welcome the opportunity to help students navigate academic journeys, the campaign has reached 77 percent of its goal to raise $65 million by June 30, 2024.

“We are overwhelmed with the generosity of this gift,” said Fiorentino. “SSI continues to demonstrate to our students that the organization believes in their abilities and continues to welcome making lasting investments in their educational goals. We are grateful to be able to align with a partner who has provided an intentional investment in the future of this university and in generations of students to come. I can think of no better way to honor West Chester University’s 150th anniversary and to prepare for the next 150 forward.”

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