I knew that I also wanted to help steer that contribution in such a way that those resources would also help support an organization I really believe in.” The Christopher Snyder Sponsored Social Work Internship, created in 2009, presents a unique opportunity for a Gannon student to receive financial aid while earning internship credit, a core requirement for many of the University’s academic programs. Senior social work major Chris Frye was the scholarship’s inaugural recipient. He spent nearly 500 hours this past year at Emmaus, primarily working with Sister Gus’ Kids Café, where
“Receiving this scholarship will enable me to bounce back financially after graduation,” Weis said. “It will also help me remain connected to the University, because I will always remember the generosity of this family’s gift. Hopefully, after I have advanced in my career, I will be able to pay it forward to another struggling student.”
he planned and instructed recreational activities, tutored and provided counseling services.
Frye
Leonard Walkiewicz ’70, ’87M had one final wish: to leave behind a gift that would allow future students to receive the same high-quality Gannon education he obtained. After Walkiewicz passed away in February, his family honored this desire to give back by gifting his house to the University. Proceeds from the sale of the house have since been used to fund an endowed scholarship in math in his memory. Walkiewicz was a traffic engineer with GTE/Verizon prior to retiring in 1993. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during Vietnam. He enjoyed rock and roll music from the 1950s and 1960s, gardening and collecting science fiction books. “He was also a master of trivia,” said his brother, Ron Walkiewicz. “In fact, everyone wanted Len on their team for their regular Trivial Pursuit games since he was so good. Our family is honored to have Len’s legacy live on at Gannon through this new scholarship.”
Frye and Weis are not alone; more than 90 percent of fulltime undergraduate Gannon students qualify for financial assistance through various grants, scholarships, loans and employment opportunities each year. During 20092010 alone, the University provided more than $26 million in assistance.
“I would hope that anybody who has graduated and had some success would look back and do something to help somebody else along the way. Gannon gave me a good education that prepared me well for my future career, and I still think the values I learned while a student play into some of the success I have had. Giving back is just a small way of trying to help somebody else through that process,” Pfingstler said.
Leaving A Legacy
Snyder
“Without his generosity, none of this would have happened, but this scholarship meant more to me than the money that was invested,” Frye said. “This scholarship gave me the means to go beyond regular internships and really immerse myself in my career field. It connected me to the Erie community and allowed me to see social issues from the viewpoint of local citizens. It was an opportunity that has left a deep imprint on my life and career.”
Likewise, both Pfingstler and Snyder are optimistic that their fellow classmates will continue to be inspired to give back.
Pfingstler
Weis
Students have benefitted from alumni generosity for many years. Beneficiaries of the Thomas M. and Christine B. Li Scholarship Endowment Fund Matthew O’Donnell (far left), Heather Stoner ’06 (left) and Ruslan Zakharchuk ’07, ’08 (right) spent time with Thomas Li ’55 during a visit to campus in 2006. Li established the scholarship in 1983 to aid health sciences and engineering students.
For more information on helping Gannon students through an endowed scholarship or planned gift, contact Tony Fulgenzio ’82 in University Advancement at (814) 8717786. 17