What does a college senior in good academic standing do when they are juggling multiple jobs, are nearly finished with their coursework, and have hit financial roadblocks head-on?

West Chester University’s “Fund to Finish” has been specifically established to help academically deserving students who need that “last dollar” to complete their degree at West Chester University. As he prepares to retire after 41 years of service to the University, President Chris Fiorentino has asked that all funds raised at the 41^st Annual Presidential Gala go directly to the University’s “Fund to Finish.”

The 41st Annual Presidential Gala, which draws more than 300 community members to help academically deserving WCU students, will be held on Friday, Mar. 15, from 7-11 PM, in the University’s Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons (SECC) located at 275 North Campus Drive.

In honor of Fiorentino’s extraordinary service, the Gala returns home to West Chester University as the Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons is transformed into a “Starry Night Soirée,” featuring a breathtaking 8k video wall presentation by Professor of Astronomy Marc Gagné and the Department of Earth and Space Sciences. The massive wall will feature actual NASA images and video from the Webb and Hubble Space Telescopes, the Mars rovers, the planet flyby missions, and more.

“This Presidential Gala is all about one shared mission, and that mission is supporting student success,” said Fiorentino. “I cannot think of a worthier cause than providing what academically deserving students need to cross the finish line to graduate. All of us at West Chester are in the business of changing lives, and our work is as compelling as it is inspiring — every day. As we continue to reach for the stars, I am prouder than ever to be aligned with our students, faculty, staff, and so very many friends in this life-changing pursuit.”

At 9 PM, a surprise, significant milestone will be announced about the 150Forward Campaign, the largest comprehensive campaign that the University has launched in its history to support students. While a capital campaign supports bricks and mortar, this comprehensive campaign is specifically designed to help an even greater number of WCU students secure more scholarships, have increased opportunities for academic, civic, and professional experiences, and obtain ready access to technological advancements.

Since its inception in 1983, the Presidential Gala has raised more than $2 million dollars for West Chester University students. Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Fund to Finish, which provides flexible, emergency funding available to students when they have exhausted all other avenues of support to complete their degree at West Chester University.

Gala Committee Co-Chairs for West Chester University’s 2024 Starry Night Soirée are Elizabeth Leonard and Stephen R. Leonard ‘72, M’80. For 2024, the following are sponsors for the 41^st Annual Presidential Gala:

• Presenting Sponsor: Aramark
• Diamond Sponsors: Jobsite Products, Inc. and MacElree Harvey 
• Titanium Sponsors: Radius Systems and Sodexo
• Gold Sponsors: Arthur Hall Insurance, Bancroft Construction Company, First Bank, Hobbs & Company, Inc., Meridian Bank, Obermayer Rebmann Maxwell & Hippel LLP, and West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. 
• Silver Sponsors: Citadel Credit Union, NJM Insurance Group, Patricia and James P. Shinehouse ’80, and West Chester University Alumni Association
• Bronze Sponsors: CALECO Laundry, The Elite Group, Fox Rothschild LLP, The Kienle Family, Martin’s Financial Consulting Group – Ameriprise, Philadelphia Phillies, S&T Bank, West Chester University Athletics, and Wistar Motors

Learn more about West Chester University, the largest member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, and how the WCU Foundation supports its goals through fundraising activities, the management of donated resources, and the promotion of the University’s needs to prospective contributors.