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Academic Enhancement and Student Assistance
During the 2023-24 academic year, more than $2.9 million was provided through donor-funded support for enhancements to academics, student life experiences, and other university needs.
Established by Matt Schroeder ’91, the ECOB Student Support Fund provides support to students enrolled in courses offered through the Eberly College of Business experiencing emergency needs or needing further assistance to continue their education. Matt was attracted to IUP due to both the reputation of its school of business and its strong music program. He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. After working for two years in Pittsburgh, Matt relocated to Mechanicsburg and married his wife Stacy, who he met working as a summer camp counselor during college. After spending several years at Arthur Anderson, Matt joined Rite Aid in 2000 as a Vice-President in the Accounting Department. He has held various positions at Rite Aid over the years, including Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and most recently Chief Executive Officer. Matt has always valued his IUP experiences, including the opportunity to pursue his love of music, the many friendships that he made and most important, the quality of his education, which positioned him well to have a successful and impactful career. Matt is honored to have the opportunity to establish this fund and hopes that this will be a good source of help for students in need.
One of the students who received funding through the ECOB Student Support Fund had this to say about her experience:
“As an international student pursuing an MBA in Supply Chain Management, I’ve always been driven by my passion for learning and professional growth. However, the financial strain of studying abroad became particularly challenging in early 2024. This sudden economic shift left me struggling to cover both my tuition and basic living expenses in the last semester of my studies. Despite managing my finances carefully, and working as a Graduate Assistant, my stipend wasn’t enough to offset the increased costs. It was an extremely stressful time, and I feared I might have to put my studies on hold and return home.
Thanks to the ECOB Student Support Fund, I received the financial assistance I needed. This support allowed me to stay focused on my education, complete my coursework, and continue making progress toward my MBA without the overwhelming burden of financial worry. The assistance I received was more than just financial—it was a lifeline that gave me peace of mind and a sense of security during a critical time in my academic journey. I am truly grateful for the generosity of donors who make this fund possible. Their kindness helped me overcome a significant hurdle, and I believe that their continued support will change the lives of many more students, just as it changed mine.”
When Dr. Deanne Snavely announced her retirement as dean of the John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, her friends and colleagues knew they needed to come together to honor Dr. Snavely’s work and tenure at the university. With much of Dr. Snavely’s work focusing on facilitating interdisciplinary research for faculty and students, it made sense to look at a legacy that would both honor Dr. Snavely and aid students in professional development. With the help of a committee composed of faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, a campaign was launched to create the Deanne L. Snavely Kopchick College Fund for Student Professional Development.
“The Snavely Endowment for Student Professional Development provides financial support for our students to engage and interact with the broader scientific community through participation in professional conferences and travel to internship research sites. Opportunities like these enable our students to share and communicate the importance of their research and build connections with other scientists, and building a stronger scientific community for all,” shared Steven Hovan, dean of Kopchick College.
Victoria Alao (a biology pre-med major with dual minors in Chemistry and Psychology) recently had the opportunity to be a part of the first cohort to go to RUIA college in Maharashtra, India for study abroad and clinical experience. She was able to learn how clinical trials work first-hand by being a part of the team that conducted a clinical trial at S.P. Mandali’s Institute for Advanced Training and Research in Interdisciplinary Sciences in Mumbai.
The study abroad opportunity also allowed immersion in another culture. She toured the city, visiting places such Gateway of India, stayed at Saguna Baug, an agricultural farm, and took part in various activities, including horseback riding, watching Mallakhamba, bullock cart rides, and clay molding.
At IUP, Victoria is involved in many organizations including Cooks Honors College, Crimson Scholars Circle, Promising Scholars program, American Medical Student Association, Student Government Association, Pan African Student Association, American Chemical Society, and the Black Student League. After college, Victoria plans to go to medical school and studying to become a doctor of psychiatry/emergency medicine.
“Overall, this study abroad was filled with learning and fun. This experience is one I will never forget, and I would highly recommend it to other students. Thanks to the Deanne L. Snavely Kopchick College Fund for Student Professional Development, I was able to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity, which not only enhanced my understanding of clinical trials but also provided me with the cultural experiences that will impact my future career in healthcare,” said Victoria.
