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Clarion University Foundation, Inc.
2 0 1 9 - 2 02 0
ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Last year, Clarion University Foundation,
Inc., celebrated its 50th anniversary and
anticipated rising to the challenges the
next decades would present. But the year
that followed could only be described as
revolutionary. With the ongoing challenges
of reduced funding, rising costs and lower
enrollments came the totally unexpected
COVID-19 virus.
•
Donor support grew to $2.875 million, 37% greater than the prior period.
The number of donors also increased almost 12%. Part of the donor
support came from the Foundation in providing the seed money to
establish the Center for Engaged Learning and Student Success which
will provide faculty at Clarion and across the PASSHE system with tools
to teach and deliver all modalities of academic programs.
•
The endowment at fiscal year end was $39.2 million, up slightly over
the prior year. This represents one of the highest endowment balances
among the PASSHE schools.
While the “pause” button was pushed,
halting many activities, the response of
the University was rapid and laser focused.
In carrying out our mission to enable the
success of Clarion students, our focus was
aligned with the University’s efforts in doing all things necessary to keep
students and employees engaged and safe.
•
Significant financial transactions and contracts were finalized related to
campus housing. Refinancing the Hilltop Suites’ bond issuance resulted
in $300,000 a year in savings. A Master Lease was enacted to transfer
the management and liability of campus housing to the University,
affording more flexibility in determining housing rates. This transaction
enabled the Foundation to free up $1.2 million in prior years’ surpluses
accrued from the properties, along with recouping $800,000 paid
previously by the Foundation on behalf of a housing location for capital
projects. This money will flow back to support the University and fund
housing scholarships over the next 15 years.
I marveled at the University’s agility in responding to the needs of the students
and the entire campus community. This was facilitated by the able leadership
of Dr. Dale and her leadership team. We were grateful that we had such a role
model for response.
Even before the March lockdown order, the Foundation was working with the
University to streamline operations and manage costs more effectively. This
resulted in the plan to have Fundraising and Alumni Engagement report directly
to the University President. This plan was approved and scheduled for implementation in July 2020. This new structure, coupled with the retirement of Foundation CEO Michael Keefer and the promotion of Max Smith to Executive Director,
provided for cost savings to be realized over future years.
I thank Michael Keefer for helping to guide us through the ups and downs of this
past year, and for his 18 years of committed and dedicated service to the
Foundation and the campus community. I am forever grateful for my working
relationship with Michael, and I look forward to many more years working with
Max Smith and Dr. Dale as we forge a team effort with Clarion University.
As I anticipate another eventful year, I thank all of our donors, both past and
present, who help CUF, Inc., keep its student-driven mission.
Sincerely,
In spite of the year’s many challenges, our many accomplishments in the fiscal
year include:
•
Over 1,200 scholarships were awarded to 853 students, totaling $1.4
million, a 10% increase over the prior year. The scholarships helped with
housing and tuition, and with emergency needs stemming from the
pandemic.
Jane France
FOUNDATION RESTRUCTURES
to better meet needs of university and students
Clarion University Foundation, Inc., has restructured its activities and staff as a
means of better meeting the needs of Clarion University and its students.
The leadership of CUF and the university worked together on the plan to ensure
a seamless transition. The restructuring shifted fundraising and alumni
engagement back to the university, effective July 1, 2020.
The CUF Board of Directors unanimously approved the restructuring.
“This restructuring allows the foundation to focus on managing the nearly $40
million endowment that helps to make a Clarion education affordable and a
tremendous value,” said Jane K. France, president of the Board of Directors.
Clarion President Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson agreed. “Last year alone, the
foundation provided 796 students with $1.3 million in scholarship support.
This structure continues that investment in our students’ futures, while at the
same time more closely aligning the work of the alumni engagement and
development teams with the university.”
Administration, endowment investment oversight, and finance are the
foundation’s focus.
Michael Keefer, CEO, retired from the foundation Dec. 31, 2019. It is now led by
executive director Max Smith, former COO/CFO.
Scott Reinsel, former accountant for the foundation, was named controller.
“On behalf of the Clarion University Foundation, I’d like to thank Michael for his
many years of service,” France said. “Michael personally secured major gifts to
our endowment, oversaw new financing and construction of state-of-the-art
student housing, and managed the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.”
Through planned giving,
Aharrahs’ giving legacy continues
People who knew Ernie and Peggy
Aharrah well would describe them as
generous. People who didn’t know
them quite as well would describe
them the same way. That’s the kind of
life they lived.
They were generous with their time
– professionally, personally and
civically.
Both were educators – members
of the university’s Class of 1949
– whose students benefited from
their dedication. Ernie was a biology
professor at Clarion University, and
Peggy taught at several area elementary schools, retiring from Clarion
Area School District. Both were active
in the community, giving their time
to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, their
church, and various other
organizations.
“They were both always very proud
of the Clarion roots they had established,” said Larry Jamison, Clarion
University’s director of planned giving
and a personal friend of the couple.
“They both were always generous
with the university, and Ernie served
in various volunteer capacities.”
Clarion University Foundation, Inc.,
recognized Ernie in 2015 with a
resolution of appreciation for his 25
years of volunteerism. He served on
multiple boards and was a guiding
force for many foundation initiatives
in its 50-year history. Together, he
and Peggy were instrumental in the
advancement of Clarion University.
They were also generous with their
assets. They had a long history of
financial support of Clarion University
and Clarion University Foundation,
Inc. In addition to contributing to
other scholarship funds, the Aharrahs
established the Cheri Aharrah Reid
Memorial Scholarship in memory of
their daughter.
The Aharrahs are gone now. Peggy
passed away in January 2018, and
Ernie died in November 2019. But
they’re still giving.
“They established their first scholarship years ago in memory of their
late daughter, Cherie,” Jamison said.
“Their love of Clarion and their philanthropic desire led to the creation of
three additional scholarships that are
being funded through their estate.”
The scholarships exemplify their love
of education and their desire to serve
Clarion students in perpetuity.
The scholarships stipulate that they
are awarded to the “most deserving”
student in four academic disciplines:
theatre, elementary education,
biology and business.
“I always used to call Ernie ‘Mr.
Clarion’ since he showed so much
pride in the university,” Jamison said.
“The Aharrahs epitomized the giving
of time, talent and treasure.”
GAMMAS
FOCUS ON
PHILANTHROPY
“The Gammas were made up of athletes and
socially active members. They were serious about
getting an education, but they also wanted to
have a good time,” said brother Wayne Norris of
his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Phi.
It was Clarion University’s first fraternity, established March 8, 1930.
They were always the most active fraternity on
campus, according to Norris. Sometimes their
penchant for good times collided with the early
standards that the college espoused. The Gammas’ charter was revoked in 1974.
Outwardly, that was the image of the Gammas,
but there was more than met the eye.
“I was away from home and on my own for the
first time in my life, so finding friends and creating
a sense of belonging was essential for me,” Norris
said. “I am from a very small town, so attending
Clarion was a huge change. Becoming a Gamma
really helped me adapt to this change and made
the transition much easier.”
The Gammas’ ability to create their own social
activities taught Norris how to navigate the
professional world.
ΑΓΦ
“I am a firm believer in the total college experience. Being socially active then helped prepare
most of us for the real world, since we also learned
how to handle ourselves outside of academia,”
Norris said. “For me, this aspect of the college
experience was one of the greatest benefits for my
future. I gained a much better ability to interact
with people and had an elevated level of confidence, especially in the business world.”
Although the Gammas didn’t formally exist after
1974, the brotherhood of its members remained
strong. In 1999, former Gammas formed the Alpha
Gamma Phi Alumni Association.
“The strong ties forged by the brothers while on
campus proved to be very durable and seemed
never to miss a beat with everyone renewing past
relationships and creating new ones,” Norris said.
“All members were invited to join. We had members from the late 40s up to the last class of 1974.”
Norris said one thing hasn’t changed about the
Gamma brotherhood: “We have a great time to
this day.”
The Gammas host the events, and anyone from
Clarion is invited to attend. The events have
evolved to being about more than just a good
time, though.
“We have a scholarship fund totaling almost
$355,000 and have awarded over 80 scholarships
to Clarion athletes, male or female, that have met
the requirements,” Norris said. That fund is still
growing.
“Since the original Gammas are a finite group, we
started the ‘Last Gamma Standing’ drive to try to
reach $1 million before the last Gamma passes.”
Norris said the group has incorporated as Alpha
Gamma Phi, Inc., and has applied for 501(C)(3)
nonprofit status. Incorporating will provide a
structure that the new members can follow.
Members stay updated through a webpage maintained by brother Larry Kuzma ’64, and through
the Alpha Gamma Phi Alumni page on Facebook.
“The Gamma spirit was strong from 1930 to 1974,
and it’s still strong today,” Norris said.
Golden Eagle
GATEWAY
GOLDEN EAGLE GATEWAY
BUILDS NETWORK OF CU ALUMNI
The Office of Alumni Engagement has launched Golden Eagle
Gateway, a new platform aimed at connecting alumni with each other,
with faculty and staff, and with students.
The overall purpose of the Graduway-based platform is networking,
according to Ann Thompson, director of alumni engagement. The
Golden Eagle Gateway had a soft launch in spring 2020, and since
then, membership has grown to more than 250.
“Alumni can use Golden Eagle Gateway for any kind of networking,
with the knowledge that other users are members of the Clarion
University community,” Thompson said. “You can sign up in less than
two minutes by registering with your Linkedin or Facebook profile.
Simply go to clariongateway.com to register.”
Students are welcome to join, but first they must complete CU
Professional – specialized training through which they learn
professionalism and appropriate behavior as a mentee – through the
university’s office of Career and Professional Development. Students
can use the platform to develop career connections, seek internships
or seek mentors.
Thompson encourages alumni to register and create a profile. The
profile will indicate if a user is willing to help in particular areas: I’m
willing to be a career mentor, I’m willing to serve as regional contact in
my area, I’m willing to help recruit students in my area. Alumni can offer to help, they can seek help in a particular area, or they can simply
observe until an aspect of Golden Eagle Gateway piques their interest.
Users can create groups based on affinity – a class, a sport, a major, a
Greek organization, etc. – and they can create events for other alumni
to join. Thompson particularly hopes alumni will post content,
whether professional, social or reminiscent of the user’s time as a
student at Clarion.
Golden Eagle Gateway brings the Clarion University community
together through:
● A running feed of alumni updates, interesting content, photos and
conversations.
● A full opt-in directory of alumni and students, allowing members to
connect with the Clarion University community, all over the world.
● A mentorship program, giving members the opportunity to be
mentored by others or offer mentorship to fellow alumni/students.
● A job board with current opportunities, posted by alumni, students
and strategic partners.
● Group conversations allowing members to engage at a more granular level with those with the same class, interests, careers, industries
and locations.
● Events posted by alumni, students and Clarion University, inviting
members to upcoming events, encouraging pop-up engagement,
coffee meetings around the world, webinars hosted by subject matter
experts within our networks, and other organic engagement
opportunities created for and by members.
TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT:
CLARIONGATEWAY.COM
in appreciation of our DONORS
University Club: $5,000 or more
Addison H. Gibson Foundation
Mr. David E. Adelman ‘62
Alfred H. and Janet L. Lander Family Charitable Foundation
Mr. Alfred H. Lander ‘74 and Mrs. Janet Lander
Alpha Gamma Phi Alumni Association
American Endowment Foundation
Anonymous Donors
Ms. Lindsay R. Banner ‘07
Mrs. Milissa A. (Steiner) Bauer ‘84
Mr. Scott A. Belmont ‘83
Mr. Tom Bowman ‘77 and Mrs. Linda S. (Allison) Bowman ‘77
Bryan D. Huwar Law Offices, P.C.
Mr. John V. Calipari ‘82 and Mrs. Ellen Calipari
Mr. Michael G. Casciato ‘81
Charles E/Virginia Kaufman Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation
County Rod & Gun Club
Clarion University Pin Club
Thank you!
This emergency fund money means so much to
me, to my family! It’s this kindness and generosity
that put a little twinkle back into my days.
Thank you so very much. I feel very fortunate to
be a part of this university!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Franklin
Clarion University Football Alumni Committee
The Commodore Corporation
Mr. Barry S. Shein
Mr. Todd A. DeIuliis ‘86
Mr. Mark R. Demich ‘79 and Mrs. Deborah H. LPM Demich
Mr. Richard N. Edwards and Mrs. Caroline Edwards
Mr. Jeffrey S. Edwards ‘84 and Mrs. Beth Edwards
First Energy Foundation
Estate of Marilyn B. Flath ‘67
Mr. Paul L. Flickner ‘85 and Mrs. Ellen Flickner
Ms. Jane K. France ‘71 and Mr. Christian L. Allison
Mr. Richard Gent and Dr. Pamela Gent
Jim Gerlach for Congress Committee
Estate of Dilip K. Ghosh ‘78
Mr. Michael H. Hinderliter ‘71 and Mrs. Kay M. Hinderliter
InFaith Community Foundation
Johnson & Johnson
*Estate of Patricia A. Kelley
* Donor passed away in the year reported.
GIVING FROM JULY 1, 2019 – JUNE 30, 2020
Kenneth W. Beels Charitable Trust
William Klemstine Foundation
Mr. L. Kent Kretzler ‘73
Mr. Scott Kroh ‘74 and Mrs. Pamela J. Kroh
Dr. Scott Kuehn and Dr. Myrna Kuehn
Estate of Patty H. Laswick
Mr. Charles P. Leach, Jr. and Mrs. Sonja Leach
Mrs. Carol K. Leas ‘65
M and B Services, LLC
Mr. Michael Hindman & Mr. Braun Gourley
Dr. Glenn R. McElhattan ‘56 and Mrs. Mary F. (Master) McElhattan ‘72
McElhattan Foundation
Mr. James E. Moffatt ‘70 and Mrs. Marilyn D. (Pyle) Moffatt ‘70
Mr. Charles L. Motter
The MPB Charitable Foundation
Ms. Michelle Boodjeh
Mr. W. Dale Murdock ‘72 and Mrs. Debra A. (Uchal) Murdock ‘73
Mr. Wayne Norris ‘65 and Mrs. Jacalyn Norris
Mr. Paul D. Palmer ‘61 and Mrs. Paula J. Palmer
Mr. Ryan S. Peffer ‘03 and Ms. Suzanne Schwartz
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson and Dr. Robert S. Pehrsson
Ms. Pamela Petzold
Mr. James T. Ringland and Mrs. Karen E. Ivy
Robindale Energy Services, Inc.
Mr. Scott Kroh ‘74 and Mrs. Pamela J. Kroh
S & T Bank
Samuel Justus Charitable Trust
Mr. Richard K. Slike ‘76 and Mrs. Susan A. (Stehle) Slike ‘79
Dr. Phyllis W. Smith
Mr. Richard W. Stanford ‘58 and Mrs. Margaret (Hogenmiller) Stanford
State Street Corporation
Mr. Henry Suhr, Jr. and Mrs. Beverly Suhr
Mr. John Truscott and Mrs. Carol A. (Neuberger) Truscott ‘79
Mr. James M. Whitlinger ‘91
President’s Club: $2,500-$4,999
Mr. Mark S. Andrekovich ‘84 and Mrs. Mari K. (Pietila) Andrekovich ‘87
Ayco Charitable Foundation
Mr. Garry N. Barton ‘72 and Mrs. Margaret J. Barton ‘71
Mr. H. Eugene Burns and Mrs. Susanne A. Burns
Dr. Richard R. Castafero ‘68 and Mrs. Gail L. Castafero
Mrs. Betty M. (McCutcheon) Chan ‘74
Clarion University Store - Follett 1662
Mr. Robert J. Cloherty ‘62 and Mrs. Jeanie Cloherty
Colegrove Educational Trust
Dr. George & Twila Wollaston Trust for Charitable Purposes
Eagle Park Associates LP II
Mr. Jay P. Kumar ‘82
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Farmers National Bank of Emlenton
Mr. Michael R. Forney ‘97 and Mrs. Christine M. (Metzger) Forney ‘98
Freddie Mac
Mr. James Geiger and Mrs. Kristen Geiger
Mrs. Beverly R. (Reese) Greenwell ‘59
Mr. Gary Hilbert and Mrs. P.J. (Magaro) Hilbert ‘77
The J. M. Smucker Company
Mr. Michael R. Keefer and Mrs. Cathy R. ( Rhodes ) Keefer ‘93
Kiwanis Club of Clarion
The Kriebel Organization
Mr. James E. Kriebel and Mrs. Penny Kriebel
Dr. Terry Latour and Mrs. Leslie Latour
Charles P. Leach Agency, Inc.
Mr. Robert M. McBurney ‘71
Dr. David D. McFadden ‘84
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
Mrs. Mary Lou H. (Herbert) Pae ‘79
Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau
Dr. Diane L. Reinhard
Mr. Vincent V. Sands ‘78 and Mrs. Theresa A. (Renz) Sands ‘79
Mr. Robert F. Schmidt ‘69
Ms. Bonnie Siepiela Dirkx ‘70
Mr. Jeff T. Snodgrass and Dr. Wendy Snodgrass
Swartfager Welding, Inc.
Mr. Dennis J. Twigg ‘17
UPMC Northwest Auxiliary
Mr. Gregg J. Wagner ‘82 and Mrs. Annemarie (Hackett) Wagner ‘82
Dr. Paul R. Woodburne and Ms. Nancy Sansone
Mr. Anton Zidansek and Mrs. Janet L. (Steiner) Zidansek ‘72
Mr. Curtis L. Zimmerman ‘79 and Mrs. Carrie L. (Englert) Zimmerman
Rising Eagles Club: $1,000-$2,499
Mr. Vincent K. Aaron ‘70 and Mrs. Alma R. Aaron
Mr. William Ackerman ‘73 and Mrs. Leslie R. (Damon) Ackerman
Dr. Arthur Acton and Mrs. Mary Ann Acton
Mr. Russell F. Adkins ‘74 and Mrs. Sharon Adkins
Dr. Jeffery B. Allen and Mrs. Debbie Allen
Mr. Wayne F. Alling ‘98 and Mrs. Sherry Alling
American Legion - Craig E. Fleming Post 66
I want to thank you for the generous donation
during these tough times. You don’t even understand how much this means to me and my family.
With my sister and I both being in college at the
same time and both my parents being laid off,
money isn’t the easiest to come about right now.
Thank you very much,
Kendyl Switzer
I can’t say how thankful I am to receive this
money. The money I have received from this
fund is going to help me a lot going
through these hard times!
The fact that Clarion made this fund
goes to show how much they truly
care about their students.
Thanks again,
Hannah Schettler
Americare Management Corporation
Anonymous Donors
APSCUF - Clarion Chapter
APSCURF
Mr. Lynn Armstrong ‘68
Audio-Logic, P.C.
Dr. Nora L. Fuchs ‘83 and Mr. Daniel Fuchs
Ms. Melinda L. Bailey
Mr. David A. Bailey ‘65
Dr. William S. Barnes and Mrs. Linda G. Barnes ‘95
Mr. Norman F. Basso ‘76 and Mrs. Tina E. Basso
Mr. Edward J. Bauer ‘70 and Mrs. Kathryn S. Bauer
Dr. Dipendra Bhattacharya
Mr. J. Donald Bishop and Mrs. Doris E. Bishop
Mr. Shawn L. Bloom and Mrs. Melisa A. Bloom
Mr. William J. Brand ‘63
Mrs. Lynne M. Britt ‘73
Mr. Darl Callen, Jr. and Mrs. Madelon D. Callen ‘65
Mr. Pete P. Caristo ‘55
Mr. Robert Carlson and Mrs. Susan Carlson
Clarion County Community Bank
Clarview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Mr. Ralph T. Critten ‘94 and Mrs. Cynthia H. Critten
Mr. James M. Crooks ‘74 and Mrs. Lydia K. ( Pifer ) Crooks ‘80
Mr. Leonard Cullo
Curly, LLC
Mr. Carl D. McManamy ‘63
and Mrs. Charlene B. (Benninghoff) McManamy ‘63
Mr. Ralph J. Cutruzzula ‘67
Mr. Adam P. Davidson and Mrs. Patricia D. ( Revelant ) Davidson ‘99
Mr. Raymond W. Day ‘69 and Mrs. Joanne W. Day
Mr. Louis B. Dean, Jr. ‘74 and Mrs. Bea Dean
Ms. Jeanne M. Dennis
Mr. Mark J. Flack and Mrs. Patrice M. D’Eramo-Flack ‘86
Mr. Jeffrey P. Douthett ‘79 and Mrs. Terri Douthett
Mr. James F. Droz ‘75 and Mrs. Joann Droz
Mr. Rich G. Eckert ‘10 and Mrs. Ashley Eckert
Mr. Paul E. Edder ‘81 and Mrs. Theresa A. (Zacherl) Edder ‘91
Mr. Douglas S. Elliott ‘76 and Mrs. Holly Elliott
Mr. Bert Else and Mrs. Milissa Else
Mr. Roger Engle and Mrs. Beverly A. Engle ‘71
Mr. Sean Esterhuizen and Dr. Amy Esterhuizen
Dr. Soga Ewedemi
Fab-Tec Industries, Inc.
Mr. Daniel A. Kohley ‘84 and Mrs. Sheree Kohley
Dr. Susanne K. Fenske and Mr. Ron Fenske
Mr. Joseph B. Ferguson and Mrs. Bonnie Ferguson
Mr. Kale R. Fithian ‘97
Mr. Timothy P. Fogarty and Mrs. Bridget Fogarty
Dr. Benjamin Freed and Mrs. Deb Freed
Dr. Phillip Frese and Mrs. Estelle Frese
Fullington Trailways LLC
Mr. Mike Fullington
Ms. Constance Gamaluddin
Mr. Robert J. Garritano ‘66 and Mrs. Joyce D. Garritano
Ms. Alana H. Gazetski ‘67
Mr. Alan Geiger
Lawrence Gilford and Bonnie Gilford
Mrs. Margaret G. (Gourley) Graham ‘59
Mr. William Grove ‘88 and Dr. Colleen A. McAleer ‘75
Dr. Joseph P. Grunenwald and Mrs. Janice M. Grunenwald
Mr. David J. Gunter ‘91 and Mrs. Ellen D. (Greenawalt) Gunter ‘87
Ms. Amy Hansmann
Mr. Noor Haq
Dr. Donna M. Poljanec ‘72 and Mr. Pete Hartle
*Dr. Harold Hartley and *Mrs. Carolyn Hartley
Mr. William R. Hartman ‘70
Mr. S. Eugene Herritt ‘69 and Mrs. Sally Herritt
Hoffman Electric Inc.
Mr. Justin Hoffman ‘82
Mr. John M. Horton, Jr. ‘92
Atty. Emmanuel O. Iheukwumere ‘90
Iron Furnace Chpt. #288 Trout Unlimited
Mr. Albert Jacks
Mr. Larry W. Jamison ‘87 and Mrs. Ann M. Jamison
Mr. John L. Jarzab, Jr. and Mrs. Cynthia L. Jarzab
Mr. Paul B. Kemble, Jr. ‘68
Mr. James L. Kifer ‘83 and Mrs. Brenda Kifer
Mr. Dennis Kmiec and Mrs. Roberta L. (Egidi) Kmiec ‘71
Mr. Keith J. Kochert ‘98
Mr. Scott Konwinski
Ms. Jamie Koshak
Ms. Deborah L. Kuhn
Mr. Thomas D. Kurts ‘68 and Mrs. Beverly E. Kurts
Mr. Dennis A. Leshock ‘65 and Mrs. Carol Leshock
Mr. Jeffrey S. Linden ‘89
Mr. Anthony C. Linnan ‘89 and Mrs. Kathy B. ( Brown ) Linnan ‘73
Ms. Martha L. Lojzim ‘82
Mr. Walter F. Long III ‘20 and Mrs. Laura Long
Mr. Minde Lu ‘89
Mr. Ronald B. Lucas ‘82 and Mrs. Debra L. Lucas
Dr. Dana E. Madison
Mr. Michael D. Maguire ‘99 and Mrs. Pamela Maguire
Mr. Richard C. Malacarne ‘63 and Mrs. Nancy C. (Coax) Malacarne ‘63
Mr. John Marinich ‘75 and Mrs. Patricia S. (Semonich) Marinich ‘75
Mr. Rodrick J. Marquette ‘97
Mr. Gerald C. Marterer ‘67 and Mrs. Suzanne C. (Conroy) Marterer ‘67
Mr. L. Douglas Martin ‘80
Mr. Charles C. Matsko ‘70 and Mrs. Loretta V. (Vastadore) Matsko ‘71
Mr. Kevin P. McCracken ‘06
Mr. Trueman W. Mills ‘55 and Mrs. Jean L. ( Weaver ) Mills ‘59
Dr. Ronald E. Montgomery and Mrs. Judith Montgomery
Dr. Andrew M. Turner and Dr. Sharon L. Montgomery
Mr. Cameron M. Moran ‘12 and Ms. Chelsea Mague
Dr. Terry Morrow and Mrs. Phyllis Morrow
New York Life Insurance Company
Mrs. Marilyn J. (Follette) O’Brien ‘63
Mr. David W. Ogden ‘74 and Mrs. Pamela A. M. Ogden
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole ‘79 and Mrs. Tracey O’Toole
Mr. John Owens ‘15
Dr. James G. Pesek and Mrs. Karen Westfall Pesek
Mr. Earl R. Petrucci ‘64 and Mrs. Georgiana Petrucci
Mr. Michael P. Phillips ‘03 and Mrs. Karissa Phillips
PHN Charitable Foundation
Mr. Jonas Pipher and Ms. Holly A. (King) Pipher ‘08
Mrs. Helen G. (Grudowski) Porter ‘60
Dr. Randall Potter and Dr. Jeanne M. Slattery
Presbyterian Women of 2nd Presbyterian Church
Mr. Samuel Puleio, Jr. and Mrs. Terri Puleio
Mr. Scott V. Reinsel ‘05
Ms. Shelly A. Respecki ‘92
Mr. Gregory G. Rex ‘88
Mr. Dale P. Richards ‘64 and Mrs. Andrea R. (Yanshak) Richards ‘66
Dr. Kevin J. Roth ‘81 and Mrs. Carol A. Roth
Mr. Jeffrey R. Schmeck ‘80 and Mrs. Kimberely Schmeck
Seidle Chevrolet Buick GMC
Mr. Abhijit A. Shinde ‘11
Prof. Chad Smith
Mr. Edward J. Smith ‘65 and Dr. Roxie R. (Ruhlman) Smith ‘67
Mr. Kyle N. Smith ‘09 and Mrs. Zi-Xiang Shen
Ms. Barbara Stahlman
Mr. Frank Hershkowitz and Ms. Lorraine C. Staples, J.D. ‘76
Mr. Daniel J. Stellute ‘68
Mrs. Marilyn L. Stempeck ‘83
Mr. Tedd H. Stewart ‘65 and Mrs. Jane B. (Bright) Stewart ‘65
Mr. John M. Stoner, Jr. ‘75 and Mrs. Janice L. (McMinn) Stoner ‘75
Mr. John T. Stunda ‘79 and Mrs. Patricia Stunda
Mr. Douglass Sturtz and Ms. Brenda A. (McElhattan) Sturtz ‘79
Mr. Bruce A. Sukaly ‘79 and Mrs. Leslie Sukaly
Mr. Ronald J. Sylvester ‘85
* Donor passed away in the year reported.
During times like these, it is institutions and
people like yourself that create considerate,
easy and stress-free environments!
Sincerely,
Chelsea Lanigan
Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri, USMC (Ret) ‘79
and Mrs. Deborah L. (Lipko) Talleri ‘80
Mr. James Thornton and Mrs. Bridget Thornton
Mr. David D. Todd ‘76
United Evangelical Church
UPMC Health Plan
Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Vuckovich
Mr. Jeffrey P. Walentosky ‘90
Mr. Edward D. Wallace ‘73 and Mrs. Sharon Wallace
Ms. Lee Ann Wentzel ‘85
Sen. Mary Jo R. White and Hon. H. William White
Mr. Karl J. Wiesner ‘81
Mr. Kerry L. Wolbert ‘72
Mr. Daniel S. Wolovich ‘70 and Mrs. Cherie L. (Lowe) Wolovich ‘68
Mr. Keith Woolam and Mrs. Jennifer Woolam
Mr. Matthew K. Zents ‘87
Contributors: $500-$999
Aaron Asset Management LLC
Mr. Patrick E. Aaron ‘01 and Mrs. Lindsay J. (Kevech) Aaron ‘06
All States Transportation Inc
Alling Agency LLC
Mr. Wayne F. Alling ‘98 and Mrs. Sherry Alling
Mr. Dan R. Anderson ‘81 and Mrs. Pam Anderson
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my
heart for the $250 that I was given through the
Clarion Student Emergency Fund. It will be very
helpful in paying my bills and purchasing items I
need for studying this semester. This online
learning platform that was converted to from brick
and mortar classes has not been easy. Having these
items will go a long way in making studying
much easier.
I want to thank the Clarion University Foundation
again and the Emergency Fund Donors that were
very generous in their donations and time in the
process.
Sincerely and heartfelt thanks,
Justin Longnecker
Mr. Christopher L. Anderson ‘10
and Mrs. Ashley M. (McCullough) Anderson ‘13
Dr. Vasudeva Aravind
Mr. Alex J. Arth, Jr. ‘66 and Mrs. Mary Kay Arth
Mr. Jason D. Ashe ‘03
Mr. A. Craig Aston ‘63 and Mrs. Susan L. Aston ‘63
Mr. Robert D. Baggs ‘73 and Mrs. Leslie L. (Guldenshuh) Baggs ‘72
Mr. Justin Barth
Dr. Linda A. (Marshall) Bennett ‘65
Mr. David J. Bevevino ‘77 and Mrs. Patricia K. Bevevino
Blackbird Distillery
Mr. David Black and Ms. Jen Black
Ms. Sue A. Bowman ‘81
Mrs. Nada J. (Yanshak) Brillante ‘64
Mr. Joshua Brugere
Mr. Robert Bubb and Mrs. Marsha Bubb
Mr. David L. Callihan and Mrs. Jean Callihan ‘99
*Mrs. Linda R. Campbell ‘80 and Mr. Roderick Campbell
Mr. Harold D. Clark ‘68 and Mrs. Mary E. (Proper) Clark ‘67
Mr. David P. Cooley ‘72 and Mrs. Dorothy Cooley
Mr. William E. Corbett ‘61
Mr. Robert L. Cornali ‘65 and Mrs. Pam Cornali
Mr. Dean Cotton
Mr. Robert D. Crowley and Mrs. Barbara J. (Cook) Crowley ‘71
Dacora Jewelers
Mr. David Colaprete
Mr. Dennis C. Darling ‘69 and Mrs. Lila Darling
Mr. DuAne Davis and Mrs. Sonya D. (White) Davis ‘95
Mr. Terry L. Davis ‘75 and Mrs. Cynthia Davis
Wren Davis
DE Sports, Inc.
Dr. Brenda Dede
Mr. Mark J. Staszkiewicz and Dr. Laura L. Delbrugge
Mr. Ed DeMartino
Mrs. LaVerne H. (Haubrich) Dobos ‘59
Mr. Chuck Duffy and Mrs. Andrea Duffy
Mrs. J. D. Dunbar ‘77 and Mr. Henry Faller
Mr. Stuart E. Dunkle ‘77 and Mrs. Louann L. Dunkle
Mr. Hans C. Olsen and Ms. Diane S. Durbin
Dr. Jeffrey D. Eicher and Mrs. Susan Eicher
Dr. John Eichlin
Mr. Steven W. Etzel ‘82 and Mrs. Michele Etzel
ExxonMobil Foundation
Mr. Christopher Ferraro
Mr. David Ferro
Ms. Roberta A. Fitzgibbon ‘74
Mr. Michael Fitzsimmons and Mrs. Lisa Fitzsimmons
Mr. Josh Ford and Dr. Melinda E. (Laese) Ford ‘97
Dr. Joseph P. Fotos and Mrs. Libby Fotos
Mr. Edward P. Frack ‘83
Franklin Rotary Club
Mr. Michael T. Friend ‘14
Galaxy Federal Credit Union
Ms. Sue E. Gates ‘82
Mr. M. S. Gemberling, J.D. ‘74
George’s Barber Shop
Mr. Richard A. Staley and Mrs. Cindy Staley
Mr. Timothy Gilbert
Mr. Robert Golier and Mrs. Sue Golier
Paul R. Gray Apartments
Mr. Paul R. Gray ‘75 and Mrs. Lori Gray
Gray Family Foundation
Ms. Ashley J. Grimm ‘08
Ms. Suzan Hahnfeldt ‘73
Dr. David Hartley and Mrs. Julie Hartley
Mr. Geary M. Higgins ‘76 and Mrs. Gail B. Higgins ‘75
I would like to express my gratitude for your financial
support through this tragic time in our nation. It is
because of your generosity that I am able to buy
essentials and food for my family.
Words cannot express how thankful we are for your
support and kindness. We will never forget who
supported us during this tragic time in our lives. This
financial support will make a difference for my family.
Thank you so much for your generosity, again, and for
all that you are doing. Your foundation is the best!
Sincerely,
Matissa Burnip and family
Mr. Shawn M. Hoke ‘95 and Mrs. Rayna A. (Liegey) Hoke ‘97
Mr. Andrew J. Hoover and Mrs. Brenda F. (McMunn) Hoover ‘73
Mr. David Hrovat and Mrs. Kimberly J. (Strawbridge) Hrovat ‘95
Mr. Bryan S. Huddleston ‘83 and Mrs. Michelle Huddleston
Dr. Stephen R. Johnson
Mr. Robert Johnson and Dr. Betsy S. (Wyllie) Johnson ‘94
Johnson & Henninger Dental Offices, LLP
Dr. Michael Johnson
Dr. Deborah J. Kelly ‘99
Mr. Alvin S. Kennedy ‘66
Dr. Andrew C. Keth ‘88
Mr. Dennis A. Kinol ‘68
Mr. Michael Kline and Mrs. Jennifer L. (Montague) Kline ‘79
Mr. Thomas J. Komenda ‘71 and Mrs. Judy Komenda
Dr. Iseli K. Krauss
Dr. Rebecca R. Leas
Mr. Raymond D. Lichauer ‘70
Mr. Larry Lineman and Mrs. Hope E. Lineman ‘10
Mr. John M. Lovre ‘57 and Mrs. Evelyn D. (Mezerski) Lovre ‘59
Luton’s Plumbing, Heating & A. C.
Mr. Daniel Luton and Mrs. Lori J. Luton
Mrs. Mary J. (Ihnat) MacKinnon ‘66
Mr. Robert W. Maddox and Mrs. Cheryl A. Maddox
Dr. Samuel J. Mann, M.D. and Mrs. Maureen O. Mann ‘72
Ms. Brooke C. Mays ‘18
Dr. Irene Mergen
Mr. Michael Mihalik and Mrs. Bethany J. (Bankovich) Mihalik ‘04
Mr. William Miller and Mrs. Judith M. Miller ‘84
Mr. Christopher Miller, C.P.A. ‘01
Mr. J. Jeffrey Miller ‘77 and Mrs. Stella M. (Halligan) Miller ‘76
Ms. Amy L. (Coon) Miller ‘94
*Mr. Richard W. Moss ‘72
Mr. David L. Moxie ‘73 and Mrs. Debra Moxie
Mr. Edward M. Munn ‘75 and Ms. Christine S. Light
Ms. Genevieve C. Murray
National Fuel Gas Company Foundation
Mr. Ross Z. Neidich ‘69 and Mrs. Patti Neidich
Mr. Kenneth C. Nellis ‘86 and Ms. Cynthia A. Nellis ‘16
Ms. Mary Alice Ozechoski ‘86
Mr. Logan J. Pearsall ‘10
Mr. Robert B. Perry ‘53
Mr. David A. Peura ‘88 and Mrs. Carole L. (Puglia) Peura ‘88
Mr. Larry C. Pickett ‘77 and Mrs. Melissa D. (Audain) Pickett ‘80
Mr. Rein E. Pold ‘73
Mr. Ronald D. Privette and Mrs. Rhonda Mike-Privette
Mr. James C. Reed ‘74 and Mrs. Yvonne K. Reed
Mr. Robert T. Reichert ‘84 and Mrs. Michelle Marie G. Reichert
Mr. Mark Riesmeyer and Mrs. Sheryl Riesmeyer
Dr. Richard A. Sabousky ‘84
Mr. P. Slats Schuster ‘61
Mrs. Janet Sessions
Mr. Dennis R. Shanafelt ‘73 and Mrs. Janice S. (Snowden) Shanafelt ‘73
Mrs. Therese A. Shaw
Mr. Brian E. Shea ‘76 and Mrs. Sheryl T. (Thatcher) Shea ‘76
Ms. Debra A. Sigworth ‘19
Mr. David G. Simmons ‘63 and Mrs. Eileen Simmons
Mr. Max R. Smith and Mrs. Emily E. (Deible) Smith ‘02
Mr. Byron A. Smith ‘04
Mr. Thomas P. Snee ‘91
Mr. Chris Sobina and Mrs. Debra D. Sobina ‘83
Mr. James A. Staab ‘74
Mr. Karl Steinbrunner and Mrs. JoEllen Steinbrunner ‘67
Dr. Ruth E. Stiehl
Mr. John R. Stroup, Jr.
Mr. Rick V. Summerville ‘70
Mr. Frank Supancic ‘73 and Mrs. Teresa J. (Tedesco) Supancic ‘73
Mr. Anthony G. Tersine, Jr. ‘95 and Mrs. Robin R. (Dunlevy) Tersine ‘97
Mr. James A. Town ‘95 and Mrs. Annette M. Town ‘05
Mr. Harry E. Tripp
Mr. Dewayne M. Truitt ‘70 and Mrs. Elaine Truitt
Dirk Vandermeer, O.D.
Dr. Dirk Vandermeer and Mrs. Karen Vandermeer
Mr. Seth E. Walker
Mr. Hal Wassink and Mrs. Brenda Wassink
Mr. Lynn E. Watson ‘75 and Mrs. Susanne Watson
Dr. Karen Whitney and Dr. Peggy Apple
Dr. Richard A. Wiesen ‘59 and Mrs. Sandra L. (Hepler) Wiesen ‘59
Dr. John E. Williams and Mrs. Frances K. Williams ‘79
Dr. James C. Wilson ‘53
Mr. Richard Wrona and Dr. Sharon Wrona
Zack’s Restaurant & Catering
Zonta Club of Oil City-Franklin
Thank you so much for the assistive donation
during this time. The contributions have helped
me finish out my last semester of college with a
little less stress. Thanks to all of you, I was able to
pay for and attend my HURST review for nursing
school. This review is used to prepare students
for the NCLEX that is needed in order to obtain a
nursing license.
Sincerely,
Hanna Rigby
* Donor passed away in the year reported.
The listing of names of our contributors is subject to error, both human
and computer. If there is an error, please accept our apology and bring
it to our attention.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Current & Retired
Faculty, Staff &
Administration
Parents
1.5%
Foundation Support to Clarion University
2019-2020 Contribution Revenue:
Donors: 3,240 / $2,874,615
$9,000,000
ALUMNI
Donors: 2,110 / $1,524,491
7.5%
$8,000,000
$7,000,000
FRIENDS, CONSORTIA, & OTHERS
Donors: 479 / $573,177
$6,000,000
BUSINESSES & FOUNDATIONS
Donors: 130 / $518,648
Businesses &
Foundations
18%
$5,000,000
CURRENT & RETIRED FACULTY, STAFF,
& ADMINISTRATION
Donors: 325 / $214,399
Alumni
53%
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
PARENTS
Donors: 196 / $43,900
Friends, Consortia,
& Others
20%
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
For 2019-2020, approximately 3.5% of the
total living Clarion University Alumni
(2,110 out of 60,972)
had made contributions to the Foundation.
$0
FY 05
FY 06
FY 07
FY 08
FY 09
FY 10
FY 11
FY 12
FY 13
Support by University to Foundation
Foundation Support to University
FY 14
FY 15
FY 16
FY 17
FY 18
FY 19
FY 20
Over the last 16-year period, the
University has received $9.70
for every $1 provided to Clarion
University Foundation, Inc.
FY 20 Support By Category
Scholarships & Grants
$1,954K
$1,456K
Campus Activities & Programs
Operational & Support Services
Total = $4,337,000
$927K
CLARION UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
JUNE 30, 2020
GROWING OUR ENDOWMENT
Endowment Balance from FY05 - FY20
$45,000,000
$40,000,000
$39,189,206
$35,000,000
TOTAL ASSETS
$157,988,258
$151,633,456
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
$4,981,183
$5,083,451
Debt Outstanding
95,755,155
98,813,182
Total Liabilities
100,736,338
103,896,633
Net Assets:
Without Donor Restriction
20,459,372
10,842,939
With Donor Restriction
36,792,548
36,893,884
Total
Net Assets
57,251,920
47,736,823
$30,000,000
$25,000,000
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$13,842,190
$10,000,000
FY 05
FY 06 FY 07
ASSETS
JUNE 30, 2020
JUNE 30, 2019
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Other Current Assets
$13,734,230
$15,789,310
Investments
38,862,161
40,170,010
Other
Long Term Assets
105,391,867
95,674,136
FY 08
FY 09
FY 10
FY 11
FY 12
FY 13
FY 14
FY 15
FY 16
FY 17
FY 18
FY19
FY20
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$157,988,258
$151,633,456
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Clarion University Foundation, Inc.
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Board of Directors 2020-2021
Effective July 1, 2020
Where do we go from here?
When I think about our foundation’s fiscal year 2020, the word “transformative”
comes to mind.
In my inaugural year as executive director, we restructured to enable the team to
focus more precisely on the charge to support our university and our students in the
best ways possible, no matter the current circumstances.
The restructuring shifted fundraising and alumni engagement to university oversight,
allowing the foundation team to focus our financial expertise on growing the
endowment, maximizing scholarship administration and program funding, and
maintaining records in our database of alumni and friends. During a year in which
dens, bedrooms and dining room tables were our offices, and “Zoom” became more
than just a verb, our dedicated team continued this work for the singular purpose of
serving students.
More important than our inconveniences, however, are the hurdles the pandemic has
created for our students. While learning remotely, many students and their families are without income to meet their basic needs. Through the Student Emergency
Fund and Fill the Nest food pantry initiatives, you – our alumni and friends – provide
life-sustaining aid to students. Testimonials in this publication speak volumes on the
impact of your generosity on their lives.
Many of these students are the same ones who benefit from your generosity in supporting scholarships. Their success paves the way for our future. On behalf of all of us
engaged in this endeavor, we thank you for making the difference.
I am proud of and thankful for our faculty, staff, students and benefactors as we
make our way forward, together. In closing, I must also acknowledge how grateful
I am to Michael Keefer, who retired in 2019, for helping to mold our foundation into
Clarion University’s charitable lifeline.
Ms. Jane France
PRESIDENT
Mr. Mark R. Demich
PRESIDENT – ELECT
Mr. Scott Burns
VICE-PRESIDENT
Mr. Bruce A. Sukaly
TREASURER
Ms. Carol Truscott
SECRETARY
Mr. Christian Allison
Mr. Al Lander
Mr. Carl D. McManamy
Mr. Paul Palmer
Mrs. Susan Slike
Maj. Gen. Peter Talleri (Ret.)
Mr. Archie L. Palmore
Mr. David K. Reed
President-Elect Alumni Association,
Ex-Officio
Mr. James L. Kifer
Secretary of Clarion University
Council of Trustees, Ex-Officio
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
Clarion University President, Ex-Officio
Mr. Jim Geiger
Clarion University VP for
University Advancement, Ex-Officio
Mr. Max Smith
Executive Director, Ex-Officio
Mr. Scott Reinsel
Controller, Assistant Treasurer, Ex-Officio
Ms. Desirée N. Beck
Administrative Assistant/
Assistant Secretary, Ex-Officio
CLARION UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC.
Seifert-Mooney Center for Advancement
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214-1232
Phone: 814-393-2572 (TTY/TDD): 814-393-1601
WWW.CLARION.EDU/FOUNDATION
With sincere gratitude and warmest wishes,
BECOME INVOLVED
Max R. Smith
DONATE, VOLUNTEER, SERVE, JOIN OUR TEAM...
Clarion University Foundation, Inc., wishes to thank Ms. Tina Horner, Clarion University
communication manager, and Bryan Postlewait from PAGES for their guidance, writing, design
and untiring editing, which made this publication possible.
Clarion University Foundation, Inc.
2 0 1 9 - 2 02 0
ANNUAL REPORT
BOARD PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Last year, Clarion University Foundation,
Inc., celebrated its 50th anniversary and
anticipated rising to the challenges the
next decades would present. But the year
that followed could only be described as
revolutionary. With the ongoing challenges
of reduced funding, rising costs and lower
enrollments came the totally unexpected
COVID-19 virus.
•
Donor support grew to $2.875 million, 37% greater than the prior period.
The number of donors also increased almost 12%. Part of the donor
support came from the Foundation in providing the seed money to
establish the Center for Engaged Learning and Student Success which
will provide faculty at Clarion and across the PASSHE system with tools
to teach and deliver all modalities of academic programs.
•
The endowment at fiscal year end was $39.2 million, up slightly over
the prior year. This represents one of the highest endowment balances
among the PASSHE schools.
While the “pause” button was pushed,
halting many activities, the response of
the University was rapid and laser focused.
In carrying out our mission to enable the
success of Clarion students, our focus was
aligned with the University’s efforts in doing all things necessary to keep
students and employees engaged and safe.
•
Significant financial transactions and contracts were finalized related to
campus housing. Refinancing the Hilltop Suites’ bond issuance resulted
in $300,000 a year in savings. A Master Lease was enacted to transfer
the management and liability of campus housing to the University,
affording more flexibility in determining housing rates. This transaction
enabled the Foundation to free up $1.2 million in prior years’ surpluses
accrued from the properties, along with recouping $800,000 paid
previously by the Foundation on behalf of a housing location for capital
projects. This money will flow back to support the University and fund
housing scholarships over the next 15 years.
I marveled at the University’s agility in responding to the needs of the students
and the entire campus community. This was facilitated by the able leadership
of Dr. Dale and her leadership team. We were grateful that we had such a role
model for response.
Even before the March lockdown order, the Foundation was working with the
University to streamline operations and manage costs more effectively. This
resulted in the plan to have Fundraising and Alumni Engagement report directly
to the University President. This plan was approved and scheduled for implementation in July 2020. This new structure, coupled with the retirement of Foundation CEO Michael Keefer and the promotion of Max Smith to Executive Director,
provided for cost savings to be realized over future years.
I thank Michael Keefer for helping to guide us through the ups and downs of this
past year, and for his 18 years of committed and dedicated service to the
Foundation and the campus community. I am forever grateful for my working
relationship with Michael, and I look forward to many more years working with
Max Smith and Dr. Dale as we forge a team effort with Clarion University.
As I anticipate another eventful year, I thank all of our donors, both past and
present, who help CUF, Inc., keep its student-driven mission.
Sincerely,
In spite of the year’s many challenges, our many accomplishments in the fiscal
year include:
•
Over 1,200 scholarships were awarded to 853 students, totaling $1.4
million, a 10% increase over the prior year. The scholarships helped with
housing and tuition, and with emergency needs stemming from the
pandemic.
Jane France
FOUNDATION RESTRUCTURES
to better meet needs of university and students
Clarion University Foundation, Inc., has restructured its activities and staff as a
means of better meeting the needs of Clarion University and its students.
The leadership of CUF and the university worked together on the plan to ensure
a seamless transition. The restructuring shifted fundraising and alumni
engagement back to the university, effective July 1, 2020.
The CUF Board of Directors unanimously approved the restructuring.
“This restructuring allows the foundation to focus on managing the nearly $40
million endowment that helps to make a Clarion education affordable and a
tremendous value,” said Jane K. France, president of the Board of Directors.
Clarion President Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson agreed. “Last year alone, the
foundation provided 796 students with $1.3 million in scholarship support.
This structure continues that investment in our students’ futures, while at the
same time more closely aligning the work of the alumni engagement and
development teams with the university.”
Administration, endowment investment oversight, and finance are the
foundation’s focus.
Michael Keefer, CEO, retired from the foundation Dec. 31, 2019. It is now led by
executive director Max Smith, former COO/CFO.
Scott Reinsel, former accountant for the foundation, was named controller.
“On behalf of the Clarion University Foundation, I’d like to thank Michael for his
many years of service,” France said. “Michael personally secured major gifts to
our endowment, oversaw new financing and construction of state-of-the-art
student housing, and managed the day-to-day operations of the Foundation.”
Through planned giving,
Aharrahs’ giving legacy continues
People who knew Ernie and Peggy
Aharrah well would describe them as
generous. People who didn’t know
them quite as well would describe
them the same way. That’s the kind of
life they lived.
They were generous with their time
– professionally, personally and
civically.
Both were educators – members
of the university’s Class of 1949
– whose students benefited from
their dedication. Ernie was a biology
professor at Clarion University, and
Peggy taught at several area elementary schools, retiring from Clarion
Area School District. Both were active
in the community, giving their time
to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, their
church, and various other
organizations.
“They were both always very proud
of the Clarion roots they had established,” said Larry Jamison, Clarion
University’s director of planned giving
and a personal friend of the couple.
“They both were always generous
with the university, and Ernie served
in various volunteer capacities.”
Clarion University Foundation, Inc.,
recognized Ernie in 2015 with a
resolution of appreciation for his 25
years of volunteerism. He served on
multiple boards and was a guiding
force for many foundation initiatives
in its 50-year history. Together, he
and Peggy were instrumental in the
advancement of Clarion University.
They were also generous with their
assets. They had a long history of
financial support of Clarion University
and Clarion University Foundation,
Inc. In addition to contributing to
other scholarship funds, the Aharrahs
established the Cheri Aharrah Reid
Memorial Scholarship in memory of
their daughter.
The Aharrahs are gone now. Peggy
passed away in January 2018, and
Ernie died in November 2019. But
they’re still giving.
“They established their first scholarship years ago in memory of their
late daughter, Cherie,” Jamison said.
“Their love of Clarion and their philanthropic desire led to the creation of
three additional scholarships that are
being funded through their estate.”
The scholarships exemplify their love
of education and their desire to serve
Clarion students in perpetuity.
The scholarships stipulate that they
are awarded to the “most deserving”
student in four academic disciplines:
theatre, elementary education,
biology and business.
“I always used to call Ernie ‘Mr.
Clarion’ since he showed so much
pride in the university,” Jamison said.
“The Aharrahs epitomized the giving
of time, talent and treasure.”
GAMMAS
FOCUS ON
PHILANTHROPY
“The Gammas were made up of athletes and
socially active members. They were serious about
getting an education, but they also wanted to
have a good time,” said brother Wayne Norris of
his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Phi.
It was Clarion University’s first fraternity, established March 8, 1930.
They were always the most active fraternity on
campus, according to Norris. Sometimes their
penchant for good times collided with the early
standards that the college espoused. The Gammas’ charter was revoked in 1974.
Outwardly, that was the image of the Gammas,
but there was more than met the eye.
“I was away from home and on my own for the
first time in my life, so finding friends and creating
a sense of belonging was essential for me,” Norris
said. “I am from a very small town, so attending
Clarion was a huge change. Becoming a Gamma
really helped me adapt to this change and made
the transition much easier.”
The Gammas’ ability to create their own social
activities taught Norris how to navigate the
professional world.
ΑΓΦ
“I am a firm believer in the total college experience. Being socially active then helped prepare
most of us for the real world, since we also learned
how to handle ourselves outside of academia,”
Norris said. “For me, this aspect of the college
experience was one of the greatest benefits for my
future. I gained a much better ability to interact
with people and had an elevated level of confidence, especially in the business world.”
Although the Gammas didn’t formally exist after
1974, the brotherhood of its members remained
strong. In 1999, former Gammas formed the Alpha
Gamma Phi Alumni Association.
“The strong ties forged by the brothers while on
campus proved to be very durable and seemed
never to miss a beat with everyone renewing past
relationships and creating new ones,” Norris said.
“All members were invited to join. We had members from the late 40s up to the last class of 1974.”
Norris said one thing hasn’t changed about the
Gamma brotherhood: “We have a great time to
this day.”
The Gammas host the events, and anyone from
Clarion is invited to attend. The events have
evolved to being about more than just a good
time, though.
“We have a scholarship fund totaling almost
$355,000 and have awarded over 80 scholarships
to Clarion athletes, male or female, that have met
the requirements,” Norris said. That fund is still
growing.
“Since the original Gammas are a finite group, we
started the ‘Last Gamma Standing’ drive to try to
reach $1 million before the last Gamma passes.”
Norris said the group has incorporated as Alpha
Gamma Phi, Inc., and has applied for 501(C)(3)
nonprofit status. Incorporating will provide a
structure that the new members can follow.
Members stay updated through a webpage maintained by brother Larry Kuzma ’64, and through
the Alpha Gamma Phi Alumni page on Facebook.
“The Gamma spirit was strong from 1930 to 1974,
and it’s still strong today,” Norris said.
Golden Eagle
GATEWAY
GOLDEN EAGLE GATEWAY
BUILDS NETWORK OF CU ALUMNI
The Office of Alumni Engagement has launched Golden Eagle
Gateway, a new platform aimed at connecting alumni with each other,
with faculty and staff, and with students.
The overall purpose of the Graduway-based platform is networking,
according to Ann Thompson, director of alumni engagement. The
Golden Eagle Gateway had a soft launch in spring 2020, and since
then, membership has grown to more than 250.
“Alumni can use Golden Eagle Gateway for any kind of networking,
with the knowledge that other users are members of the Clarion
University community,” Thompson said. “You can sign up in less than
two minutes by registering with your Linkedin or Facebook profile.
Simply go to clariongateway.com to register.”
Students are welcome to join, but first they must complete CU
Professional – specialized training through which they learn
professionalism and appropriate behavior as a mentee – through the
university’s office of Career and Professional Development. Students
can use the platform to develop career connections, seek internships
or seek mentors.
Thompson encourages alumni to register and create a profile. The
profile will indicate if a user is willing to help in particular areas: I’m
willing to be a career mentor, I’m willing to serve as regional contact in
my area, I’m willing to help recruit students in my area. Alumni can offer to help, they can seek help in a particular area, or they can simply
observe until an aspect of Golden Eagle Gateway piques their interest.
Users can create groups based on affinity – a class, a sport, a major, a
Greek organization, etc. – and they can create events for other alumni
to join. Thompson particularly hopes alumni will post content,
whether professional, social or reminiscent of the user’s time as a
student at Clarion.
Golden Eagle Gateway brings the Clarion University community
together through:
● A running feed of alumni updates, interesting content, photos and
conversations.
● A full opt-in directory of alumni and students, allowing members to
connect with the Clarion University community, all over the world.
● A mentorship program, giving members the opportunity to be
mentored by others or offer mentorship to fellow alumni/students.
● A job board with current opportunities, posted by alumni, students
and strategic partners.
● Group conversations allowing members to engage at a more granular level with those with the same class, interests, careers, industries
and locations.
● Events posted by alumni, students and Clarion University, inviting
members to upcoming events, encouraging pop-up engagement,
coffee meetings around the world, webinars hosted by subject matter
experts within our networks, and other organic engagement
opportunities created for and by members.
TO REGISTER, PLEASE VISIT:
CLARIONGATEWAY.COM
in appreciation of our DONORS
University Club: $5,000 or more
Addison H. Gibson Foundation
Mr. David E. Adelman ‘62
Alfred H. and Janet L. Lander Family Charitable Foundation
Mr. Alfred H. Lander ‘74 and Mrs. Janet Lander
Alpha Gamma Phi Alumni Association
American Endowment Foundation
Anonymous Donors
Ms. Lindsay R. Banner ‘07
Mrs. Milissa A. (Steiner) Bauer ‘84
Mr. Scott A. Belmont ‘83
Mr. Tom Bowman ‘77 and Mrs. Linda S. (Allison) Bowman ‘77
Bryan D. Huwar Law Offices, P.C.
Mr. John V. Calipari ‘82 and Mrs. Ellen Calipari
Mr. Michael G. Casciato ‘81
Charles E/Virginia Kaufman Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation
County Rod & Gun Club
Clarion University Pin Club
Thank you!
This emergency fund money means so much to
me, to my family! It’s this kindness and generosity
that put a little twinkle back into my days.
Thank you so very much. I feel very fortunate to
be a part of this university!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Franklin
Clarion University Football Alumni Committee
The Commodore Corporation
Mr. Barry S. Shein
Mr. Todd A. DeIuliis ‘86
Mr. Mark R. Demich ‘79 and Mrs. Deborah H. LPM Demich
Mr. Richard N. Edwards and Mrs. Caroline Edwards
Mr. Jeffrey S. Edwards ‘84 and Mrs. Beth Edwards
First Energy Foundation
Estate of Marilyn B. Flath ‘67
Mr. Paul L. Flickner ‘85 and Mrs. Ellen Flickner
Ms. Jane K. France ‘71 and Mr. Christian L. Allison
Mr. Richard Gent and Dr. Pamela Gent
Jim Gerlach for Congress Committee
Estate of Dilip K. Ghosh ‘78
Mr. Michael H. Hinderliter ‘71 and Mrs. Kay M. Hinderliter
InFaith Community Foundation
Johnson & Johnson
*Estate of Patricia A. Kelley
* Donor passed away in the year reported.
GIVING FROM JULY 1, 2019 – JUNE 30, 2020
Kenneth W. Beels Charitable Trust
William Klemstine Foundation
Mr. L. Kent Kretzler ‘73
Mr. Scott Kroh ‘74 and Mrs. Pamela J. Kroh
Dr. Scott Kuehn and Dr. Myrna Kuehn
Estate of Patty H. Laswick
Mr. Charles P. Leach, Jr. and Mrs. Sonja Leach
Mrs. Carol K. Leas ‘65
M and B Services, LLC
Mr. Michael Hindman & Mr. Braun Gourley
Dr. Glenn R. McElhattan ‘56 and Mrs. Mary F. (Master) McElhattan ‘72
McElhattan Foundation
Mr. James E. Moffatt ‘70 and Mrs. Marilyn D. (Pyle) Moffatt ‘70
Mr. Charles L. Motter
The MPB Charitable Foundation
Ms. Michelle Boodjeh
Mr. W. Dale Murdock ‘72 and Mrs. Debra A. (Uchal) Murdock ‘73
Mr. Wayne Norris ‘65 and Mrs. Jacalyn Norris
Mr. Paul D. Palmer ‘61 and Mrs. Paula J. Palmer
Mr. Ryan S. Peffer ‘03 and Ms. Suzanne Schwartz
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson and Dr. Robert S. Pehrsson
Ms. Pamela Petzold
Mr. James T. Ringland and Mrs. Karen E. Ivy
Robindale Energy Services, Inc.
Mr. Scott Kroh ‘74 and Mrs. Pamela J. Kroh
S & T Bank
Samuel Justus Charitable Trust
Mr. Richard K. Slike ‘76 and Mrs. Susan A. (Stehle) Slike ‘79
Dr. Phyllis W. Smith
Mr. Richard W. Stanford ‘58 and Mrs. Margaret (Hogenmiller) Stanford
State Street Corporation
Mr. Henry Suhr, Jr. and Mrs. Beverly Suhr
Mr. John Truscott and Mrs. Carol A. (Neuberger) Truscott ‘79
Mr. James M. Whitlinger ‘91
President’s Club: $2,500-$4,999
Mr. Mark S. Andrekovich ‘84 and Mrs. Mari K. (Pietila) Andrekovich ‘87
Ayco Charitable Foundation
Mr. Garry N. Barton ‘72 and Mrs. Margaret J. Barton ‘71
Mr. H. Eugene Burns and Mrs. Susanne A. Burns
Dr. Richard R. Castafero ‘68 and Mrs. Gail L. Castafero
Mrs. Betty M. (McCutcheon) Chan ‘74
Clarion University Store - Follett 1662
Mr. Robert J. Cloherty ‘62 and Mrs. Jeanie Cloherty
Colegrove Educational Trust
Dr. George & Twila Wollaston Trust for Charitable Purposes
Eagle Park Associates LP II
Mr. Jay P. Kumar ‘82
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Farmers National Bank of Emlenton
Mr. Michael R. Forney ‘97 and Mrs. Christine M. (Metzger) Forney ‘98
Freddie Mac
Mr. James Geiger and Mrs. Kristen Geiger
Mrs. Beverly R. (Reese) Greenwell ‘59
Mr. Gary Hilbert and Mrs. P.J. (Magaro) Hilbert ‘77
The J. M. Smucker Company
Mr. Michael R. Keefer and Mrs. Cathy R. ( Rhodes ) Keefer ‘93
Kiwanis Club of Clarion
The Kriebel Organization
Mr. James E. Kriebel and Mrs. Penny Kriebel
Dr. Terry Latour and Mrs. Leslie Latour
Charles P. Leach Agency, Inc.
Mr. Robert M. McBurney ‘71
Dr. David D. McFadden ‘84
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham
Mrs. Mary Lou H. (Herbert) Pae ‘79
Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau
Dr. Diane L. Reinhard
Mr. Vincent V. Sands ‘78 and Mrs. Theresa A. (Renz) Sands ‘79
Mr. Robert F. Schmidt ‘69
Ms. Bonnie Siepiela Dirkx ‘70
Mr. Jeff T. Snodgrass and Dr. Wendy Snodgrass
Swartfager Welding, Inc.
Mr. Dennis J. Twigg ‘17
UPMC Northwest Auxiliary
Mr. Gregg J. Wagner ‘82 and Mrs. Annemarie (Hackett) Wagner ‘82
Dr. Paul R. Woodburne and Ms. Nancy Sansone
Mr. Anton Zidansek and Mrs. Janet L. (Steiner) Zidansek ‘72
Mr. Curtis L. Zimmerman ‘79 and Mrs. Carrie L. (Englert) Zimmerman
Rising Eagles Club: $1,000-$2,499
Mr. Vincent K. Aaron ‘70 and Mrs. Alma R. Aaron
Mr. William Ackerman ‘73 and Mrs. Leslie R. (Damon) Ackerman
Dr. Arthur Acton and Mrs. Mary Ann Acton
Mr. Russell F. Adkins ‘74 and Mrs. Sharon Adkins
Dr. Jeffery B. Allen and Mrs. Debbie Allen
Mr. Wayne F. Alling ‘98 and Mrs. Sherry Alling
American Legion - Craig E. Fleming Post 66
I want to thank you for the generous donation
during these tough times. You don’t even understand how much this means to me and my family.
With my sister and I both being in college at the
same time and both my parents being laid off,
money isn’t the easiest to come about right now.
Thank you very much,
Kendyl Switzer
I can’t say how thankful I am to receive this
money. The money I have received from this
fund is going to help me a lot going
through these hard times!
The fact that Clarion made this fund
goes to show how much they truly
care about their students.
Thanks again,
Hannah Schettler
Americare Management Corporation
Anonymous Donors
APSCUF - Clarion Chapter
APSCURF
Mr. Lynn Armstrong ‘68
Audio-Logic, P.C.
Dr. Nora L. Fuchs ‘83 and Mr. Daniel Fuchs
Ms. Melinda L. Bailey
Mr. David A. Bailey ‘65
Dr. William S. Barnes and Mrs. Linda G. Barnes ‘95
Mr. Norman F. Basso ‘76 and Mrs. Tina E. Basso
Mr. Edward J. Bauer ‘70 and Mrs. Kathryn S. Bauer
Dr. Dipendra Bhattacharya
Mr. J. Donald Bishop and Mrs. Doris E. Bishop
Mr. Shawn L. Bloom and Mrs. Melisa A. Bloom
Mr. William J. Brand ‘63
Mrs. Lynne M. Britt ‘73
Mr. Darl Callen, Jr. and Mrs. Madelon D. Callen ‘65
Mr. Pete P. Caristo ‘55
Mr. Robert Carlson and Mrs. Susan Carlson
Clarion County Community Bank
Clarview Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Mr. Ralph T. Critten ‘94 and Mrs. Cynthia H. Critten
Mr. James M. Crooks ‘74 and Mrs. Lydia K. ( Pifer ) Crooks ‘80
Mr. Leonard Cullo
Curly, LLC
Mr. Carl D. McManamy ‘63
and Mrs. Charlene B. (Benninghoff) McManamy ‘63
Mr. Ralph J. Cutruzzula ‘67
Mr. Adam P. Davidson and Mrs. Patricia D. ( Revelant ) Davidson ‘99
Mr. Raymond W. Day ‘69 and Mrs. Joanne W. Day
Mr. Louis B. Dean, Jr. ‘74 and Mrs. Bea Dean
Ms. Jeanne M. Dennis
Mr. Mark J. Flack and Mrs. Patrice M. D’Eramo-Flack ‘86
Mr. Jeffrey P. Douthett ‘79 and Mrs. Terri Douthett
Mr. James F. Droz ‘75 and Mrs. Joann Droz
Mr. Rich G. Eckert ‘10 and Mrs. Ashley Eckert
Mr. Paul E. Edder ‘81 and Mrs. Theresa A. (Zacherl) Edder ‘91
Mr. Douglas S. Elliott ‘76 and Mrs. Holly Elliott
Mr. Bert Else and Mrs. Milissa Else
Mr. Roger Engle and Mrs. Beverly A. Engle ‘71
Mr. Sean Esterhuizen and Dr. Amy Esterhuizen
Dr. Soga Ewedemi
Fab-Tec Industries, Inc.
Mr. Daniel A. Kohley ‘84 and Mrs. Sheree Kohley
Dr. Susanne K. Fenske and Mr. Ron Fenske
Mr. Joseph B. Ferguson and Mrs. Bonnie Ferguson
Mr. Kale R. Fithian ‘97
Mr. Timothy P. Fogarty and Mrs. Bridget Fogarty
Dr. Benjamin Freed and Mrs. Deb Freed
Dr. Phillip Frese and Mrs. Estelle Frese
Fullington Trailways LLC
Mr. Mike Fullington
Ms. Constance Gamaluddin
Mr. Robert J. Garritano ‘66 and Mrs. Joyce D. Garritano
Ms. Alana H. Gazetski ‘67
Mr. Alan Geiger
Lawrence Gilford and Bonnie Gilford
Mrs. Margaret G. (Gourley) Graham ‘59
Mr. William Grove ‘88 and Dr. Colleen A. McAleer ‘75
Dr. Joseph P. Grunenwald and Mrs. Janice M. Grunenwald
Mr. David J. Gunter ‘91 and Mrs. Ellen D. (Greenawalt) Gunter ‘87
Ms. Amy Hansmann
Mr. Noor Haq
Dr. Donna M. Poljanec ‘72 and Mr. Pete Hartle
*Dr. Harold Hartley and *Mrs. Carolyn Hartley
Mr. William R. Hartman ‘70
Mr. S. Eugene Herritt ‘69 and Mrs. Sally Herritt
Hoffman Electric Inc.
Mr. Justin Hoffman ‘82
Mr. John M. Horton, Jr. ‘92
Atty. Emmanuel O. Iheukwumere ‘90
Iron Furnace Chpt. #288 Trout Unlimited
Mr. Albert Jacks
Mr. Larry W. Jamison ‘87 and Mrs. Ann M. Jamison
Mr. John L. Jarzab, Jr. and Mrs. Cynthia L. Jarzab
Mr. Paul B. Kemble, Jr. ‘68
Mr. James L. Kifer ‘83 and Mrs. Brenda Kifer
Mr. Dennis Kmiec and Mrs. Roberta L. (Egidi) Kmiec ‘71
Mr. Keith J. Kochert ‘98
Mr. Scott Konwinski
Ms. Jamie Koshak
Ms. Deborah L. Kuhn
Mr. Thomas D. Kurts ‘68 and Mrs. Beverly E. Kurts
Mr. Dennis A. Leshock ‘65 and Mrs. Carol Leshock
Mr. Jeffrey S. Linden ‘89
Mr. Anthony C. Linnan ‘89 and Mrs. Kathy B. ( Brown ) Linnan ‘73
Ms. Martha L. Lojzim ‘82
Mr. Walter F. Long III ‘20 and Mrs. Laura Long
Mr. Minde Lu ‘89
Mr. Ronald B. Lucas ‘82 and Mrs. Debra L. Lucas
Dr. Dana E. Madison
Mr. Michael D. Maguire ‘99 and Mrs. Pamela Maguire
Mr. Richard C. Malacarne ‘63 and Mrs. Nancy C. (Coax) Malacarne ‘63
Mr. John Marinich ‘75 and Mrs. Patricia S. (Semonich) Marinich ‘75
Mr. Rodrick J. Marquette ‘97
Mr. Gerald C. Marterer ‘67 and Mrs. Suzanne C. (Conroy) Marterer ‘67
Mr. L. Douglas Martin ‘80
Mr. Charles C. Matsko ‘70 and Mrs. Loretta V. (Vastadore) Matsko ‘71
Mr. Kevin P. McCracken ‘06
Mr. Trueman W. Mills ‘55 and Mrs. Jean L. ( Weaver ) Mills ‘59
Dr. Ronald E. Montgomery and Mrs. Judith Montgomery
Dr. Andrew M. Turner and Dr. Sharon L. Montgomery
Mr. Cameron M. Moran ‘12 and Ms. Chelsea Mague
Dr. Terry Morrow and Mrs. Phyllis Morrow
New York Life Insurance Company
Mrs. Marilyn J. (Follette) O’Brien ‘63
Mr. David W. Ogden ‘74 and Mrs. Pamela A. M. Ogden
Dr. Patrick T. O’Toole ‘79 and Mrs. Tracey O’Toole
Mr. John Owens ‘15
Dr. James G. Pesek and Mrs. Karen Westfall Pesek
Mr. Earl R. Petrucci ‘64 and Mrs. Georgiana Petrucci
Mr. Michael P. Phillips ‘03 and Mrs. Karissa Phillips
PHN Charitable Foundation
Mr. Jonas Pipher and Ms. Holly A. (King) Pipher ‘08
Mrs. Helen G. (Grudowski) Porter ‘60
Dr. Randall Potter and Dr. Jeanne M. Slattery
Presbyterian Women of 2nd Presbyterian Church
Mr. Samuel Puleio, Jr. and Mrs. Terri Puleio
Mr. Scott V. Reinsel ‘05
Ms. Shelly A. Respecki ‘92
Mr. Gregory G. Rex ‘88
Mr. Dale P. Richards ‘64 and Mrs. Andrea R. (Yanshak) Richards ‘66
Dr. Kevin J. Roth ‘81 and Mrs. Carol A. Roth
Mr. Jeffrey R. Schmeck ‘80 and Mrs. Kimberely Schmeck
Seidle Chevrolet Buick GMC
Mr. Abhijit A. Shinde ‘11
Prof. Chad Smith
Mr. Edward J. Smith ‘65 and Dr. Roxie R. (Ruhlman) Smith ‘67
Mr. Kyle N. Smith ‘09 and Mrs. Zi-Xiang Shen
Ms. Barbara Stahlman
Mr. Frank Hershkowitz and Ms. Lorraine C. Staples, J.D. ‘76
Mr. Daniel J. Stellute ‘68
Mrs. Marilyn L. Stempeck ‘83
Mr. Tedd H. Stewart ‘65 and Mrs. Jane B. (Bright) Stewart ‘65
Mr. John M. Stoner, Jr. ‘75 and Mrs. Janice L. (McMinn) Stoner ‘75
Mr. John T. Stunda ‘79 and Mrs. Patricia Stunda
Mr. Douglass Sturtz and Ms. Brenda A. (McElhattan) Sturtz ‘79
Mr. Bruce A. Sukaly ‘79 and Mrs. Leslie Sukaly
Mr. Ronald J. Sylvester ‘85
* Donor passed away in the year reported.
During times like these, it is institutions and
people like yourself that create considerate,
easy and stress-free environments!
Sincerely,
Chelsea Lanigan
Maj. Gen. Peter J. Talleri, USMC (Ret) ‘79
and Mrs. Deborah L. (Lipko) Talleri ‘80
Mr. James Thornton and Mrs. Bridget Thornton
Mr. David D. Todd ‘76
United Evangelical Church
UPMC Health Plan
Mr. and Mrs. Peter D. Vuckovich
Mr. Jeffrey P. Walentosky ‘90
Mr. Edward D. Wallace ‘73 and Mrs. Sharon Wallace
Ms. Lee Ann Wentzel ‘85
Sen. Mary Jo R. White and Hon. H. William White
Mr. Karl J. Wiesner ‘81
Mr. Kerry L. Wolbert ‘72
Mr. Daniel S. Wolovich ‘70 and Mrs. Cherie L. (Lowe) Wolovich ‘68
Mr. Keith Woolam and Mrs. Jennifer Woolam
Mr. Matthew K. Zents ‘87
Contributors: $500-$999
Aaron Asset Management LLC
Mr. Patrick E. Aaron ‘01 and Mrs. Lindsay J. (Kevech) Aaron ‘06
All States Transportation Inc
Alling Agency LLC
Mr. Wayne F. Alling ‘98 and Mrs. Sherry Alling
Mr. Dan R. Anderson ‘81 and Mrs. Pam Anderson
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my
heart for the $250 that I was given through the
Clarion Student Emergency Fund. It will be very
helpful in paying my bills and purchasing items I
need for studying this semester. This online
learning platform that was converted to from brick
and mortar classes has not been easy. Having these
items will go a long way in making studying
much easier.
I want to thank the Clarion University Foundation
again and the Emergency Fund Donors that were
very generous in their donations and time in the
process.
Sincerely and heartfelt thanks,
Justin Longnecker
Mr. Christopher L. Anderson ‘10
and Mrs. Ashley M. (McCullough) Anderson ‘13
Dr. Vasudeva Aravind
Mr. Alex J. Arth, Jr. ‘66 and Mrs. Mary Kay Arth
Mr. Jason D. Ashe ‘03
Mr. A. Craig Aston ‘63 and Mrs. Susan L. Aston ‘63
Mr. Robert D. Baggs ‘73 and Mrs. Leslie L. (Guldenshuh) Baggs ‘72
Mr. Justin Barth
Dr. Linda A. (Marshall) Bennett ‘65
Mr. David J. Bevevino ‘77 and Mrs. Patricia K. Bevevino
Blackbird Distillery
Mr. David Black and Ms. Jen Black
Ms. Sue A. Bowman ‘81
Mrs. Nada J. (Yanshak) Brillante ‘64
Mr. Joshua Brugere
Mr. Robert Bubb and Mrs. Marsha Bubb
Mr. David L. Callihan and Mrs. Jean Callihan ‘99
*Mrs. Linda R. Campbell ‘80 and Mr. Roderick Campbell
Mr. Harold D. Clark ‘68 and Mrs. Mary E. (Proper) Clark ‘67
Mr. David P. Cooley ‘72 and Mrs. Dorothy Cooley
Mr. William E. Corbett ‘61
Mr. Robert L. Cornali ‘65 and Mrs. Pam Cornali
Mr. Dean Cotton
Mr. Robert D. Crowley and Mrs. Barbara J. (Cook) Crowley ‘71
Dacora Jewelers
Mr. David Colaprete
Mr. Dennis C. Darling ‘69 and Mrs. Lila Darling
Mr. DuAne Davis and Mrs. Sonya D. (White) Davis ‘95
Mr. Terry L. Davis ‘75 and Mrs. Cynthia Davis
Wren Davis
DE Sports, Inc.
Dr. Brenda Dede
Mr. Mark J. Staszkiewicz and Dr. Laura L. Delbrugge
Mr. Ed DeMartino
Mrs. LaVerne H. (Haubrich) Dobos ‘59
Mr. Chuck Duffy and Mrs. Andrea Duffy
Mrs. J. D. Dunbar ‘77 and Mr. Henry Faller
Mr. Stuart E. Dunkle ‘77 and Mrs. Louann L. Dunkle
Mr. Hans C. Olsen and Ms. Diane S. Durbin
Dr. Jeffrey D. Eicher and Mrs. Susan Eicher
Dr. John Eichlin
Mr. Steven W. Etzel ‘82 and Mrs. Michele Etzel
ExxonMobil Foundation
Mr. Christopher Ferraro
Mr. David Ferro
Ms. Roberta A. Fitzgibbon ‘74
Mr. Michael Fitzsimmons and Mrs. Lisa Fitzsimmons
Mr. Josh Ford and Dr. Melinda E. (Laese) Ford ‘97
Dr. Joseph P. Fotos and Mrs. Libby Fotos
Mr. Edward P. Frack ‘83
Franklin Rotary Club
Mr. Michael T. Friend ‘14
Galaxy Federal Credit Union
Ms. Sue E. Gates ‘82
Mr. M. S. Gemberling, J.D. ‘74
George’s Barber Shop
Mr. Richard A. Staley and Mrs. Cindy Staley
Mr. Timothy Gilbert
Mr. Robert Golier and Mrs. Sue Golier
Paul R. Gray Apartments
Mr. Paul R. Gray ‘75 and Mrs. Lori Gray
Gray Family Foundation
Ms. Ashley J. Grimm ‘08
Ms. Suzan Hahnfeldt ‘73
Dr. David Hartley and Mrs. Julie Hartley
Mr. Geary M. Higgins ‘76 and Mrs. Gail B. Higgins ‘75
I would like to express my gratitude for your financial
support through this tragic time in our nation. It is
because of your generosity that I am able to buy
essentials and food for my family.
Words cannot express how thankful we are for your
support and kindness. We will never forget who
supported us during this tragic time in our lives. This
financial support will make a difference for my family.
Thank you so much for your generosity, again, and for
all that you are doing. Your foundation is the best!
Sincerely,
Matissa Burnip and family
Mr. Shawn M. Hoke ‘95 and Mrs. Rayna A. (Liegey) Hoke ‘97
Mr. Andrew J. Hoover and Mrs. Brenda F. (McMunn) Hoover ‘73
Mr. David Hrovat and Mrs. Kimberly J. (Strawbridge) Hrovat ‘95
Mr. Bryan S. Huddleston ‘83 and Mrs. Michelle Huddleston
Dr. Stephen R. Johnson
Mr. Robert Johnson and Dr. Betsy S. (Wyllie) Johnson ‘94
Johnson & Henninger Dental Offices, LLP
Dr. Michael Johnson
Dr. Deborah J. Kelly ‘99
Mr. Alvin S. Kennedy ‘66
Dr. Andrew C. Keth ‘88
Mr. Dennis A. Kinol ‘68
Mr. Michael Kline and Mrs. Jennifer L. (Montague) Kline ‘79
Mr. Thomas J. Komenda ‘71 and Mrs. Judy Komenda
Dr. Iseli K. Krauss
Dr. Rebecca R. Leas
Mr. Raymond D. Lichauer ‘70
Mr. Larry Lineman and Mrs. Hope E. Lineman ‘10
Mr. John M. Lovre ‘57 and Mrs. Evelyn D. (Mezerski) Lovre ‘59
Luton’s Plumbing, Heating & A. C.
Mr. Daniel Luton and Mrs. Lori J. Luton
Mrs. Mary J. (Ihnat) MacKinnon ‘66
Mr. Robert W. Maddox and Mrs. Cheryl A. Maddox
Dr. Samuel J. Mann, M.D. and Mrs. Maureen O. Mann ‘72
Ms. Brooke C. Mays ‘18
Dr. Irene Mergen
Mr. Michael Mihalik and Mrs. Bethany J. (Bankovich) Mihalik ‘04
Mr. William Miller and Mrs. Judith M. Miller ‘84
Mr. Christopher Miller, C.P.A. ‘01
Mr. J. Jeffrey Miller ‘77 and Mrs. Stella M. (Halligan) Miller ‘76
Ms. Amy L. (Coon) Miller ‘94
*Mr. Richard W. Moss ‘72
Mr. David L. Moxie ‘73 and Mrs. Debra Moxie
Mr. Edward M. Munn ‘75 and Ms. Christine S. Light
Ms. Genevieve C. Murray
National Fuel Gas Company Foundation
Mr. Ross Z. Neidich ‘69 and Mrs. Patti Neidich
Mr. Kenneth C. Nellis ‘86 and Ms. Cynthia A. Nellis ‘16
Ms. Mary Alice Ozechoski ‘86
Mr. Logan J. Pearsall ‘10
Mr. Robert B. Perry ‘53
Mr. David A. Peura ‘88 and Mrs. Carole L. (Puglia) Peura ‘88
Mr. Larry C. Pickett ‘77 and Mrs. Melissa D. (Audain) Pickett ‘80
Mr. Rein E. Pold ‘73
Mr. Ronald D. Privette and Mrs. Rhonda Mike-Privette
Mr. James C. Reed ‘74 and Mrs. Yvonne K. Reed
Mr. Robert T. Reichert ‘84 and Mrs. Michelle Marie G. Reichert
Mr. Mark Riesmeyer and Mrs. Sheryl Riesmeyer
Dr. Richard A. Sabousky ‘84
Mr. P. Slats Schuster ‘61
Mrs. Janet Sessions
Mr. Dennis R. Shanafelt ‘73 and Mrs. Janice S. (Snowden) Shanafelt ‘73
Mrs. Therese A. Shaw
Mr. Brian E. Shea ‘76 and Mrs. Sheryl T. (Thatcher) Shea ‘76
Ms. Debra A. Sigworth ‘19
Mr. David G. Simmons ‘63 and Mrs. Eileen Simmons
Mr. Max R. Smith and Mrs. Emily E. (Deible) Smith ‘02
Mr. Byron A. Smith ‘04
Mr. Thomas P. Snee ‘91
Mr. Chris Sobina and Mrs. Debra D. Sobina ‘83
Mr. James A. Staab ‘74
Mr. Karl Steinbrunner and Mrs. JoEllen Steinbrunner ‘67
Dr. Ruth E. Stiehl
Mr. John R. Stroup, Jr.
Mr. Rick V. Summerville ‘70
Mr. Frank Supancic ‘73 and Mrs. Teresa J. (Tedesco) Supancic ‘73
Mr. Anthony G. Tersine, Jr. ‘95 and Mrs. Robin R. (Dunlevy) Tersine ‘97
Mr. James A. Town ‘95 and Mrs. Annette M. Town ‘05
Mr. Harry E. Tripp
Mr. Dewayne M. Truitt ‘70 and Mrs. Elaine Truitt
Dirk Vandermeer, O.D.
Dr. Dirk Vandermeer and Mrs. Karen Vandermeer
Mr. Seth E. Walker
Mr. Hal Wassink and Mrs. Brenda Wassink
Mr. Lynn E. Watson ‘75 and Mrs. Susanne Watson
Dr. Karen Whitney and Dr. Peggy Apple
Dr. Richard A. Wiesen ‘59 and Mrs. Sandra L. (Hepler) Wiesen ‘59
Dr. John E. Williams and Mrs. Frances K. Williams ‘79
Dr. James C. Wilson ‘53
Mr. Richard Wrona and Dr. Sharon Wrona
Zack’s Restaurant & Catering
Zonta Club of Oil City-Franklin
Thank you so much for the assistive donation
during this time. The contributions have helped
me finish out my last semester of college with a
little less stress. Thanks to all of you, I was able to
pay for and attend my HURST review for nursing
school. This review is used to prepare students
for the NCLEX that is needed in order to obtain a
nursing license.
Sincerely,
Hanna Rigby
* Donor passed away in the year reported.
The listing of names of our contributors is subject to error, both human
and computer. If there is an error, please accept our apology and bring
it to our attention.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Current & Retired
Faculty, Staff &
Administration
Parents
1.5%
Foundation Support to Clarion University
2019-2020 Contribution Revenue:
Donors: 3,240 / $2,874,615
$9,000,000
ALUMNI
Donors: 2,110 / $1,524,491
7.5%
$8,000,000
$7,000,000
FRIENDS, CONSORTIA, & OTHERS
Donors: 479 / $573,177
$6,000,000
BUSINESSES & FOUNDATIONS
Donors: 130 / $518,648
Businesses &
Foundations
18%
$5,000,000
CURRENT & RETIRED FACULTY, STAFF,
& ADMINISTRATION
Donors: 325 / $214,399
Alumni
53%
$4,000,000
$3,000,000
PARENTS
Donors: 196 / $43,900
Friends, Consortia,
& Others
20%
$2,000,000
$1,000,000
For 2019-2020, approximately 3.5% of the
total living Clarion University Alumni
(2,110 out of 60,972)
had made contributions to the Foundation.
$0
FY 05
FY 06
FY 07
FY 08
FY 09
FY 10
FY 11
FY 12
FY 13
Support by University to Foundation
Foundation Support to University
FY 14
FY 15
FY 16
FY 17
FY 18
FY 19
FY 20
Over the last 16-year period, the
University has received $9.70
for every $1 provided to Clarion
University Foundation, Inc.
FY 20 Support By Category
Scholarships & Grants
$1,954K
$1,456K
Campus Activities & Programs
Operational & Support Services
Total = $4,337,000
$927K
CLARION UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
JUNE 30, 2020
GROWING OUR ENDOWMENT
Endowment Balance from FY05 - FY20
$45,000,000
$40,000,000
$39,189,206
$35,000,000
TOTAL ASSETS
$157,988,258
$151,633,456
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
$4,981,183
$5,083,451
Debt Outstanding
95,755,155
98,813,182
Total Liabilities
100,736,338
103,896,633
Net Assets:
Without Donor Restriction
20,459,372
10,842,939
With Donor Restriction
36,792,548
36,893,884
Total
Net Assets
57,251,920
47,736,823
$30,000,000
$25,000,000
$20,000,000
$15,000,000
$13,842,190
$10,000,000
FY 05
FY 06 FY 07
ASSETS
JUNE 30, 2020
JUNE 30, 2019
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Other Current Assets
$13,734,230
$15,789,310
Investments
38,862,161
40,170,010
Other
Long Term Assets
105,391,867
95,674,136
FY 08
FY 09
FY 10
FY 11
FY 12
FY 13
FY 14
FY 15
FY 16
FY 17
FY 18
FY19
FY20
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
$157,988,258
$151,633,456
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Clarion University Foundation, Inc.
Clarion, Pennsylvania
Board of Directors 2020-2021
Effective July 1, 2020
Where do we go from here?
When I think about our foundation’s fiscal year 2020, the word “transformative”
comes to mind.
In my inaugural year as executive director, we restructured to enable the team to
focus more precisely on the charge to support our university and our students in the
best ways possible, no matter the current circumstances.
The restructuring shifted fundraising and alumni engagement to university oversight,
allowing the foundation team to focus our financial expertise on growing the
endowment, maximizing scholarship administration and program funding, and
maintaining records in our database of alumni and friends. During a year in which
dens, bedrooms and dining room tables were our offices, and “Zoom” became more
than just a verb, our dedicated team continued this work for the singular purpose of
serving students.
More important than our inconveniences, however, are the hurdles the pandemic has
created for our students. While learning remotely, many students and their families are without income to meet their basic needs. Through the Student Emergency
Fund and Fill the Nest food pantry initiatives, you – our alumni and friends – provide
life-sustaining aid to students. Testimonials in this publication speak volumes on the
impact of your generosity on their lives.
Many of these students are the same ones who benefit from your generosity in supporting scholarships. Their success paves the way for our future. On behalf of all of us
engaged in this endeavor, we thank you for making the difference.
I am proud of and thankful for our faculty, staff, students and benefactors as we
make our way forward, together. In closing, I must also acknowledge how grateful
I am to Michael Keefer, who retired in 2019, for helping to mold our foundation into
Clarion University’s charitable lifeline.
Ms. Jane France
PRESIDENT
Mr. Mark R. Demich
PRESIDENT – ELECT
Mr. Scott Burns
VICE-PRESIDENT
Mr. Bruce A. Sukaly
TREASURER
Ms. Carol Truscott
SECRETARY
Mr. Christian Allison
Mr. Al Lander
Mr. Carl D. McManamy
Mr. Paul Palmer
Mrs. Susan Slike
Maj. Gen. Peter Talleri (Ret.)
Mr. Archie L. Palmore
Mr. David K. Reed
President-Elect Alumni Association,
Ex-Officio
Mr. James L. Kifer
Secretary of Clarion University
Council of Trustees, Ex-Officio
Dr. Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson
Clarion University President, Ex-Officio
Mr. Jim Geiger
Clarion University VP for
University Advancement, Ex-Officio
Mr. Max Smith
Executive Director, Ex-Officio
Mr. Scott Reinsel
Controller, Assistant Treasurer, Ex-Officio
Ms. Desirée N. Beck
Administrative Assistant/
Assistant Secretary, Ex-Officio
CLARION UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION, INC.
Seifert-Mooney Center for Advancement
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
840 Wood Street, Clarion, PA 16214-1232
Phone: 814-393-2572 (TTY/TDD): 814-393-1601
WWW.CLARION.EDU/FOUNDATION
With sincere gratitude and warmest wishes,
BECOME INVOLVED
Max R. Smith
DONATE, VOLUNTEER, SERVE, JOIN OUR TEAM...
Clarion University Foundation, Inc., wishes to thank Ms. Tina Horner, Clarion University
communication manager, and Bryan Postlewait from PAGES for their guidance, writing, design
and untiring editing, which made this publication possible.
Clarion University Foundation, Inc.