West Chester University Ramblings Alumni Association Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2025 VISIT OUR WEBSITE
Message from President Bernotsky
West Chester University's Day of Giving - Join Us 3/7/25

As someone who has spent 28 incredible years at West Chester University, I’ve seen firsthand the extraordinary ways our community comes together to create lasting change. That’s why I’m thrilled to invite you to WCU’s 5th Annual Day of Giving on March 7. This tradition is a 24-hour event that unites alumni, friends, faculty, staff, students, and families to support the areas of WCU that mean the most to us.

Last year, more than 1,500 donors showed what it means to live and breathe purple and gold. This year, I know we can do even more. Early giving is already open, so don’t wait to make your mark.

Every gift, no matter the size, helps us continue to transform lives, open doors, and make WCU a place our students fall in love with. Let’s make March 7 a day to remember.

Give now and join the movement »


Love Is In the Air
WCU Sweethearts

Did you meet your sweetheart at WCU? Whether you met during orientation or in the library during finals week, your story is a vital chapter in the WCU legacy! Share your love by submitting your story to be featured on social media this month. Follow along on Facebook!

Submit Your Story »


Miss WCU 2025
Third-Year Early Childhood Education Major, Gabby Kopczynskie, Named Miss West Chester University 2025

West Chester University student Gabby Kopczynskie was crowned Miss West Chester University (WCU) during the 26th live competition held on Saturday, February 1, in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall on the University’s campus.

Kopczynskie is an early childhood education major with a special education minor from Freeland, PA. She is prepared to spend the upcoming year bringing attention to pediatric cancer resources as well as representing West Chester University in the greater community.

Read More »

Girl Looking Up at Trees in a Forest
Weekly Sustainability Seminars Cover Local, National, and Global Topics

Every Wednesday at 12 p.m. beginning February 5th, WCU’s Office of Sustainability (OoS) offers a look at how WCU scholars, students, and staff explore and apply principles of environmental, social, and economic sustainability in their research and practice.

At 50 minutes each, these Sustainability Research and Practice Seminars introduce an array of topics related to sustainability in easily digestible segments. Free and open to both campus and community, they are presented via Zoom or in person in Sykes Student Union 209.

Full Schedule & Zoom Link »

 


Call for Quotes & Memories: Help the Twardowski Career Development Center Celebrate Its Diamond Jubilee
Twardowski Career Development Center 60th Anniversary

The Twardowski Career Development Center is celebrating the legacy of Dr. Ed Twardowski, aka Dr. T., and his founding of the Career Center 60 years ago. We are collecting 60 quotes about Dr. T., or the Career Center in general, to celebrate his legacy and the TCDC's past 60 years of introducing students and alumni to who they can become.

If Dr. T was your teacher, mentor, coach, or just someone you knew while on campus, please share a quote or memory. For those who didn't know Dr. T., but who benefitted from the TCDC over the last 60 years, quotes about how the TCDC supported you are also encouraged!

Quotes and memories will be used throughout the year to celebrate the legacy of Dr. T. and what that legacy built over these last 60 years. If you have any questions, please email cdc@wcupa.edu.

Quotes and memories will be accepted through Friday, March 14, 2025.

Submit Your Quote/Memory »


Alumni Spotlight: Lisa Wright Bryant '87

Lisa Wright Bryant

2025 Drum Major for Justice

Lisa Wright Bryant has been the change agent to hundreds of men and women across the country for over 20 years.

A native of Chester, PA, she is a graduate of Chester High School. She earned a BS degree in Liberal Studies with a minor in Music Education from West Chester University, a BA in Theology from Chesapeake Christian College, a master’s degree in theology from the International Christian University and a life coach certification from Transformation Academy.

Lisa is a leadership development expert with experience in sales, financial management, strategic planning, and non-profit management. Her hard work and dedication to empowering everyone she meets has gained her recognition by West Chester University Legacy of Leadership, Chester County & Pennsylvania House of Representatives, C.H.O.I.C.E.S. and was named one of the 150 Influential Women of West Chester University.

In 2013, she co-founded LM Bryant Consulting, LLC which is a consulting firm that inspires people to live their best lives by helping them build their confidence and increase their self-esteem.

Lisa is a Student Success Coordinator in the Academic Support & Advocacy Center (ASA) at WCU where she works closely with the College of Arts & Humanities and the Communication & Media Department. She has also taught at WCU as an Adjunct Professor and served as the 2022-23 Entrepreneur in Residence with the Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center.

Read More »

Profile Update
Get Involved
Alumni Benefits
Upcoming Events
FEB
22
Zeta Psi Alumni Retreat
Join us on campus to celebrate our legacy of leadership at the University and to strengthen the bonds between our Alumni and College Brothers in an effort to continue our positive impact on the University, it's students, and the community of West Chester.
Register »


FEB
27
Political Science Alumni Networking Social
Join WCU Political Science alumni and students for an alumni panel and networking social.
Register »

FEB
28
13th Annual WCU Business Idea Competition Deadline
This annual competition — hosted by the Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center, the Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic, and The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce — promotes creativity, idea generation, and entrepreneurship by recognizing innovative ideas for new products, services, and technology. WCU alumni are welcome to submit!
Learn More or Submit »

MAR
7
WCU's Fifth Annual Day of Giving & Watch Party
This 24-hour initiative brings alumni, friends, faculty, staff, family, and community members together to support different areas across WCU. Last year more than 1,500 donors supported Day of Giving. You're a Ram for Life — make an impact! You can also watch the number rise in real time at our Watch Party!
Make an Early Gift »
Register for the Watch Party »

MAR
9
Alumni Tailgate at Sarasota Polo Club
Join alumni and friends in Sarasota, Florida for a fun-filled tailgate before and during the polo match, right off the sidelines.
More Info »

MAR
28
WCU's 42nd Annual Presidential Gala
Celebrate the inauguration of West Chester University President Laurie Bernotsky with fine dining and dancing at Longwood Gardens.
Purchase Tickets »

APR
3
Rent Theatre Show & Alumni Reception
This modern classic continues to captivate audiences with its raw energy and poignant storytelling. Set in New York City's East Village, this Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning show follows a group of struggling artists and friends as they navigate life, love, and creativity in the face of adversity.
Registration Opening Soon

APR
25-27
Alumni Weekend
Banana Night, the Kickoff Party and football scrimmage, the WCUAA Annual Meeting & Breakfast, and the Distinguished Alumni Awards — it's a weekend of purple and gold pride and full of fun for the whole Ram Fam.
Registration Opening Soon

JULY
16-17
39th Annual Criterions Reunion
The Criterions Alumni Big Band will reunite for a concert and social gathering at Limoncello in West Chester.
Save the Date!
JULY
19
Rams in the Sand
Join WCU alumni and friends for our annual beach party! We are headed back to the Deauville Inn at the Jersey Shore and hope to see you there.
Registration Opens in March
 
Alumni just like you help to make a difference every day.
MAKE A GIFT
Trivia Time
WCU Ram Head Love Wooden Sign
Where is the Watch Party being held on March 7th, WCU's Fifth Annual Day of Giving?

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 tabletop "Love" wooden sign.

Congratulations to our January winners — Doug Bennett '70, M'73; Doreen Finnegan MacKay '81; and Jim Riley '82
 — who will each receive a WCU license plate frame!



January Trivia

Q: How many students graduated at the winter commencement ceremonies?

A: 1,017 / More than 1,000

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