Former athletes donate to athletic complex When Sean Jasionowski ’09, from Beach Haven, N.J., and Emily Allen Jasionowski ’09, from Hillsborough, Calif., were searching for the ideal college, they had similar checklists. Both wanted a small liberal arts setting that provided a personal relationship with faculty and a place where they could compete in collegiate athletics. Both of their searches led them to Washington & Jefferson College. “Some of my favorite W&J memories are traveling with the lacrosse team. We bonded over playing cards and talking on long bus rides,” said Sean. “Same for me,” Emily added. “After early morning practices, the water polo team would have breakfast together and just really connect. It was also special to compete in my home state of California with the team on spring break.” While athletics were what attracted Sean and Emily to W&J, once students, they immersed themselves in the W&J experience. Emily double majored in psychology and Spanish and minored in gender and women’s studies. Outside the classroom, she was a swimming coach for Special Olympics and a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. Sean was a member of Phi Kappa Psi and took advantage of W&J’s strong international program by studying in Australia for a semester. “W&J provided me the opportunity to make my own path and gain independence while abroad,” said the English major. The two, who met in the laundry room of Beau dormitory their freshman year, bonded over their mutual dedication to athletics as well as their involvement in Greek life. They dated throughout their time at W&J and were married in 2013. When Sean and Emily were in the position to support a philanthropic cause, they both thought of their days at W&J.
they felt compelled to support the project. The two decided to make a gift over five years to support the construction of the new athletic complex. The first floor lounge in the new center will be named in acknowledgement of the couple’s generosity. “W&J brought us to each other and our friends. Athletics are what took us to W&J. For me, my best memories are in the pool, and for Sean, they are on the field. Our hearts are in W&J athletics,” said Emily. The Jasionowskis’ gift will be included in An Uncommon Bond: The Campaign for Washington & Jefferson College. The campaign is a historic effort to raise $100 million to strengthen the College’s capacity to support the students and faculty of today and tomorrow. The campaign will increase endowments for students and faculty, improve spaces for living and learning and strengthen The W&J Fund. “The name of the campaign really describes the W&J relationship for us,” said Emily. “From the friendships I made while a student to the alumni I have met since beginning my career, I see W&J alumni in many aspects of my life.”
Sean and Emily Jasionowski, both former athletes at W&J, wanted to support new generations of W&J athletes.
“For me, my best memories are in the pool and for Sean, they are on the field. Our hearts are in W&J athletics.” – EMILY JASIONOWSKI ’09
“We may go five years without seeing someone from W&J, and then, as soon as we see them, we are back to senior year, sharing ‘remember when’ stories,” said Sean.
“Each of our parents have always been advocates of education,” said Sean. “If it wasn’t for our parents telling us to find a college that was the right fit for us, we may have never traveled from California and New Jersey to W&J. They taught us the value of education and what it can hold.”
With their gift to the College, the Jasionowskis hope not only to help current students but help attract future students to W&J.
When they learned of the College’s plans to renovate and expand the athletic complex,
The Jasionowskis’ dedication to the College extends past financial support. Both are regular
“Our hope is the renovation and expansion of the athletic facility will insure W&J remains competitive and even more so, that it differentiates W&J from the competition,” said Emily.
volunteers at Pittsburgh-area networking events. In addition, Sean has created an internship program between the College and his employer, BOP Land Services, as well as represented W&J at Carlow University’s Presidential Inauguration. “Being involved as alumni has been a great experience for us,” said Sean. “I encourage others to do the same. Whether you make a donation when Phonathon calls you or volunteer to meet with current students, a small commitment goes a long way with our alma mater.” – KERRI DIGIOVANNI LACOCK ’09
If you would like to support An Uncommon Bond: The Campaign for Washington & Jefferson College, please contact Lori Dougherty at 724-223-6545 or ldougherty@washjeff.edu. Learn more about An Uncommon Bond at: www.anuncommonbond.com.
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