Reception Held For 2011-2012 Smith Scholars

Even in the afterlife W.W. Smith—or more commonly known as Bill Smith— is breathing inspiration into a new generation of hardworking students. When Mr. Smith passed in 1976, he established The W.W. Smith Charitable Trust. Continuing his tradition of generosity, 15 Gwynedd-Mercy College students were named Smith Scholars for 2011-2012.

Mr. Smith’s widow, Mary Smith was present for an intimate reception held at Assumption Hall on Nov. 9 from 2:30-4pm. Mrs. Smith was able to mingle with President Kathleen Owens, PhD., and the student award winners.

 Mrs. Smith (Bottom left/second in) made her first appearance on campus.

After an opening prayer from Sister Lois Roemmele and remarks from Dr. Owens, Mrs. Smith spoke about what it meant to be able to provide funding for exceptional students of higher education. W.W. Smith Charitable Trust Grant Administrator Michelle Montgomery also discussed the importance of rewarding deserving students.

Three students who were deeply affected by the fund rose to the podium and delivered speeches straight from the heart. Marie DelloBuono ’09 presented an alumni’s perspective and expressed sincere gratitude for Mrs. Smith and the entire Trust. Junior nursing major Stephen Cresse was overcome with emotion when talking about what the distinction meant to him. He said that W.W. Smith “cemented” his commitment to education and pushed him through challenging times. Finally, junior education major Ericarose Kowalski outlined her career ambitions of teaching, mentioning that her dreams are being fulfilled because of W.W. Smith.

Gwynedd-Mercy College has teamed with the Trust for 33 years, receiving an estimated $1.1 million in that time period. This gracious show of commitment has allowed more than 320 students to be awarded Smith Scholarships, with more on the way.

Holocaust Survivor Judy Meisel Presents During Common Hour

In more than 80 years of life, Judy Meisel has seen the modern evolution of mankind. She has experienced the tragedy and trials of the Holocaust and helped lead the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s. These world events shaped the course of history, and for that she is willing to share her profound story. On Nov. 9 in St. Bernard Hall (room 18), Meisel will give a presentation from 1:30 – 2:30p.m.

In preparation for the event, two screenings of Tak for Alt—a documentary about Meisel’s life—will be shown. The first will be on Nov. 7 at 3:30p.m. in Julia Ball Auditorium with an encore on Nov. 8 at 7:15p.m. in St. Bernard Hall (room 24).

Meisel’s childhood was spent being exploited for German military purposes during World War II. She witnessed unbelievable acts of brutality and struggled to survive a tumultuous ordeal. For nearly four years, she was tormented and traumatized in concentration camps. When she was finally liberated in 1945, Meisel weighed a mere 47 pounds and had tuberculosis. Despite the painful memories, it was a victory for the human spirit. Meisel’s horrifying turned inspiring story will be open to the public.

President Owens Recognizes Newcombe Scholars

For the 30^th consecutive year, the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation has made a contribution to mature women scholars at Gwynedd-Mercy College. As an expression of the College’s gratitude, a luncheon was hosted at Assumption Hall on Nov. 2. Nine of the thirteen 2011-12 Newcombe Scholars were in attendance to receive recognition for their outstanding dedication to education. College President Kathleen Owens, PhD, and Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation Executive Director Thomas Wilfrid presided over the event.

The Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation strives to support women students who have begun their higher educational journey, but unforeseen circumstances prevented completion of a degree. At the luncheon, three scholarship recipients echoed inspirational stories of overcoming adversity. Whether it was losing a loved one to cancer or working three jobs to support a growing family, all of the scholars found a path back into the classroom. Soon enough, they will have framed diplomas hanging on their walls to represent their achievements. The financial support of the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation, coupled with a resilient spirit helped to make these dreams come true.

Wilfrid made it known that he was honored by the opportunity to help these ambitious scholars “cross the finish line”. In three decades, the Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation has provided Gwynedd-Mercy College with more than $672,000 in scholarship funding to 376 students.

Nine of the thirteen Newcombe Scholars attended the afternoon luncheon.

Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Awards Grant to Gwynedd-Mercy College

In an effort to promote local alcohol education, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) has bestowed a grant of $14,229.67 to Gwynedd-Mercy College. Seventy-seven organizations across the state were recipients of various endowments as a part of the 2011-2012 Alcohol Education Grant Program.

“As a partner in the effort to prevent underage, binge and problematic drinking, we provide funds to local organizations committed to making a significant difference in their community,” said Patrick J. “PJ” Stapleton III, PLCB chairman.  “At a time when public funds are stretched thinner than ever, we know these grant awards will go a long way towards improving the health and safety of communities across the commonwealth.”

PLCB grants help fund prevention programs focused on underage and college-age alcohol consumption as well as law-enforcement activities. Since 1999, the PLCB has awarded more than $7 million in competitive grants to hundreds of community groups.

The Reporter 11/19/11