University News

UNIVERSITY NEWS

FIRST CONVOCATION FOR FIRST YEARS

For the first time in West Chester University’s history, a Convocation Ceremony on August 24 in Hollinger Field House kicked off the fall semester for our new first-year students. President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, Rammy, and student leaders inspired the Class of 2029 with encouraging messages and tips for college success.

For the Fourth Consecutive Year, WCU Recognized as One of the Philadelphia Region’s 50 Most Community-Minded Employers

West Chester University has been named a 2025 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia for the fourth consecutive year. The honor comes from the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with globally recognized nonprofit Points of Light, lead partner the Philadelphia Foundation, and other local partners.

Modeled after Points of Light’s national program, the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia measures and recognizes civic-minded companies using their time, talent, and resources to drive social impact within their organizations and communities, setting the standard for civic engagement in the region.

“At West Chester University, we don’t just reside in the community — we’re part of its fabric,” said President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky. “As a public university, we embrace our role as a steward of place: a trusted partner, a dependable neighbor, and a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change. Our commitment to those who live, work, and grow alongside us is not an initiative — it’s a responsibility we proudly carry forward every day.”

“Civic engagement is at the heart of West Chester University’s mission as a public institution committed to the common good,” noted Helen Hammerschmidt, associate vice president for communication, operations, and strategy, WCU Provost’s Office. “We believe that by partnering with our communities — through service, research, workforce development, and inclusive dialogue — we not only enrich student learning but also contribute to a more just and equitable society. Being recognized in the Greater Philadelphia Civic 50 affirms our dedication to fostering civic responsibility, regional impact, and meaningful collaboration.”

This year’s honorees represent private and public companies, nonprofits, agencies, and institutions operating in the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region. They have been selected based on four dimensions of their community engagement program:

Investment of resources;
Integration across business functions;
Institutionalization through policies and systems; and
Impact measurement.

WCU engages communities on the local, state, national, and global levels. Service learning is an integral component of many courses at West Chester and the keystone of the Honors College. As a public institution, WCU’s primary community-engagement efforts focus on addressing community-identified needs throughout the Southeastern Pennsylvania region, encompassing Philadelphia as well as Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester counties.

(L-R) Helen Hammerschmidt, associate vice president for communication, operations, and strategy, WCU Provost’s Office, and Dr. Rita Patel Eng, senior director, WCU Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact

THE REAL TRAINER IS...

Kansas City Chiefs Assistant Athletic Trainer Julie Frymyer ’05 is starring in a StateFarm commercial alongside famed quarterback Patrick Mahomes and singer Meghan Trainor. The advertisement features a clever twist on who the real trainer is — Julie or the pop star — and has quickly become a favorite among Golden Rams.

DR. ANDREW DINNIMAN ARCHIVE COLLECTION

In October, the University Libraries Special Collections celebrated the acquisition of the papers of Dr. Andrew Dinniman, former WCU faculty member, Chester County Commissioner, and Pennsylvania State Senator. To highlight his impactful and longlasting work in the community, University Libraries Special Collections Librarian Ron McColl moderated a panel discussion on food insecurity and homelessness, which Senator Dinniman devoted much time to during his career. The discussion centered on the successful model of leveraging partnerships to address important societal issues. In addition to Senator Dinniman, the panelists were Nick Imbesi, Director of Community Relations, Chester County Food Bank; Dr. Tori Nuccio, Deputy Director, WCU Financial Aid; and Dr. Rita Patel Eng, Senior Director, WCU Center for Community Engagement & Social Impact (CCESI). Among those working on the Dr. Andrew Dinniman Archive Collection are WCU students Lilli Benson, Richie Bruce, and Alex Friedberg. The public event was made possible by a generous gift from the Hankin Group; members of the Hankin family attended the event.
(L-R) Dr. Rita Patel Eng, Nick Imbesi, Dr. Andrew Dinniman, Dr. Tori Nuccio, Ron McColl

(L-R) Dr. Rita Patel Eng, Nick Imbesi, Dr. Andrew Dinniman, Dr. Tori Nuccio, Ron McColl

PASSING OF THE HONORABLE BARRY C. DOZOR ’71

The Honorable Barry C. Dozor ’71, one of the longest-serving members of the University’s Council of Trustees and a distinguished alumnus who dedicated his life to public service, passed away on August 23, 2025.

A lifelong resident of Delaware County, Judge Dozor’s legacy spans decades of unwavering commitment to justice, community leadership, and higher education. His 2025 retirement from the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas marked the end of a remarkable 23-year tenure on the bench, where he earned widespread respect for his fairness, wisdom, and dedication to the rule of law.

In 2024, Judge Dozor entered his seventh term as a Council of Trustee member, having been initially appointed to the Council in 1976 by Governor Milton J. Shapp and then again by four subsequent governors. Judge Dozor, who served as liaison judge for the Family and Juvenile Division, was appointed to the Court of Common Pleas by former Governor Tom Ridge and swore his oath of judicial office on December 13, 2001. He was then elected for a full judicial term that began on January 5, 2004. Judge Dozor had twice been retained for additional 10-year terms: November 5, 2013, and November 7, 2023, respectively.

A proud alumnus of West Chester University and Widener University School of Law, Judge Dozor maintained a lifelong connection to this institution through his many years of service. His perspective brought invaluable insight to University governance, particularly in matters affecting student welfare and institutional integrity.

Judge Dozor’s commitment to our University and his thoughtful guidance as a trustee helped shape the institution that we are today. His loss will be deeply felt by our entire campus community.

SOUTH CAMPUS EXPANSION

This fall marks the first phase of President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky’s vision to increase long-term housing on campus.

Through innovative planning and efficient use of existing infrastructure, WCU launched a major renovation and expansion project in October that will begin to add an additional floor onto each of its 11 South Campus apartment buildings. By vertically expanding each apartment building, the University will add 220 new beds to its overall residential housing complement — without the need for additional land development or the expansion of its South Campus footprint.

Matlack Court, the University’s temporary modular housing community that was constructed this past summer, will provide swing space so bed count remains steady for returning students throughout the four phases of construction that will be completed over a five-year period. The initiative is the first major residential construction effort on WCU’s campus since the opening of Commonwealth Hall in August 2014.