Celebration of Scholars Dinner Brings Together Donors, Student Recipients

The room was overflowing with students and donors at Millersville's annual Celebration of Scholars Dinner on Nov. 20. The event is an opportunity to introduce donors to the students who benefit from charitable gifts and scholarships, and for students to extend their gratitude for the contributions that make a positive impact on their Millersville University experience.

Vice President for Advancement Victor Ramos welcomed the nearly 200 people in attendance with the agenda for the evening. "Tonight's event is Millersville University's opportunity to celebrate the gracious donors who nurture student success, and to connect them with our outstanding student scholarship recipients who proudly reflect the meaningful impact that your financial support makes in their lives."

Student speaker Jovanne Cortez '26, a senior dual music major with concentrations in music education and music performance, shared his appreciation for the financial support provided to him by scholarship funds. "Coming from a low-income family, the scholarships and awards I've received have been life-changing," he says. "They keep me in school, they help put a roof over my head, they feed me - but more than anything, they motivate me. Every award reminds me that there are people on this campus who believe in me, who see my hard work and who want me to succeed. That belief fuels me every single day."

Dr. Kemah Washington '23, president of the Millersville University Foundation Board of Directors, then shared that the Foundation's portfolio, which exceeded $70 million for the first time last year, is currently valued at $78.1 million.

He offered his personal perspective on the impact of scholarship support, saying, "My life was shaped by the generosity of strangers, people who had no reason to invest in me other than believing someone like me mattered. And their investment is still paying dividends . . . 27 years later. So, to every donor here today, you've done something powerful: you've taken your own journey - whatever it looked like, however crazy, joyful, or challenging it was - and turned it into fuel for someone else's future."

And to students who have enjoyed the benefits of scholarships, he expressed encouragement and praise. "You're sitting here because you refused to cut corners," he says. "You pushed. You stayed up late. You asked questions others avoided. You took the long way around when the short way wasn't good enough. You earned your seat.

"Together, we're building a Millersville that doesn't just prepare students for the world - it prepares them to change it. One scholarship. One story. One student at a time."

President Daniel A. Wubah closed the evening with a request to all present. "And to everyone here, let us not forget the simple, beautiful power of the connections being made tonight. We are bridging generations and connecting philanthropic vision with academic pursuit. This is where the Millersville University student experience is truly defined. It is built on scholarship, opportunity and the human connection that fuels both."

Donor Highlights:

Kathryn Seaber '76M, president of the governing body of Discover Corner Academy, enjoyed dinner with several students who benefit from scholarships she or her family created, which support student-athletes and students majoring in vocal performance. "I taught for 38 years, and I know how important it is to get an education," she said. "Young people who want to pursue an occupation but do not have all the funds needed should be able to so with the help of scholarships. I feel very fortunate that I can use my resources to aid them."

Through a planned gift, Joyce Nolt '62, '85M created the Joyce W. Nolt '62 Snapper Newspaper Endowed Scholarship. A retired teacher, Nolt wrote for the Millersville student newspaper as a student and served as co-editor-in-chief in 1961. She also led the College-University Division of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's newspaper convention in March 1962. "I wanted to honor current Snapper editors for their dedication to journalism, hard work and honest reporting by establishing this scholarship," she said. "It has truly been an honor to meet each recipient annually and to compare the differences - especially with technology - and the similarities of this outstanding student newspaper."

Michael '67 Hite and his sister Sherma Woolstenhulme '06 also support student journalism through the Earle M. Hite Jr. Journalism Award, which honors their father. Earle Hite was an assistant professor of English and journalism, director of public relations and director of student publications from 1956-1970 at Millersville. "We support MU scholarships in memory of our father, as well as to ensure that worthy students are financially able to complete their education," Hite says. "The highlight of the Celebration of Scholars for Sherma and I is always meeting the recipient of the Earle M. Hite Jr. Award. The recipients are always grateful, enthusiastic about MU and excited about their future. We enjoy the brief time we get to spend with each of them."