Most of what Waynesburg University students see on campus, according to Victoria Beppler, assistant director of Alumni Relations, wouldn’t be possible without an extensive donor and alumni network.

“Everything that’s on campus—the chairs that you’re sitting in, the buildings that you take classes in, computers, books in the library—everything on campus was made possible by a member of the alumni family or a friend of the university.”

For this reason, Waynesburg University held the President’s Donor and Scholarship Recognition Dinner Saturday, April 1, as a way to thank its patrons.

According to Beppler, the event was a remarkable success, with 98 attendees, the largest she has seen in her tenure at Waynesburg.

“It was wonderful,” said Beppler. “It was really well-received by our alumni and donors, and we were very pleased with the turnout that we had.”

The purpose of the event was to demonstrate to attendees how their donations are being utilized by the university—to show the impact that donor dollars leave on the school’s development.

“The whole event was really about thanking our donors for supporting the university,” said Beppler. “Many of the donors that were there that evening contribute to scholarships for the university. Being here on campus, seeing how students benefit: this is how that makes a difference.”

Before the dinner began, attendees were given the “Waynesburg Experience” tour, where they visited three specific locations—Roberts Chapel, the Nursing Department and Stover Campus Center—and met with students to hear their testimony. Beppler said this helps alumni see how Waynesburg has grown and improved over the years.

“A lot of alumni who come back to campus had a completely different experience,” said Beppler. “You know, even five years out, for me—I graduated in 2011—and campus is so different…So it was an opportunity for those alumni to kind of get a taste of what Waynesburg is like now.”

At the dinner itself, held in Alumni Hall, more testimonies were given by students, President Douglas Lee and donors themselves—all reiterating the value of the donations:

“We’re doing all of these wonderful things on campus,” said Beppler, explaining the overarching message of the different speakers. “We’re being nationally recognized for our nursing programs, our other programs; and we’re staying true to the mission of faith, learning and service, and all of that is possible because of the support that our alumni and donors show each year.”

The dinner was also an opportunity for Waynesburg’s Alumni Counsel to bestow the Golden Key Award—given to friends of the university who have stood behind the mission of faith, learning and service—and the Distinguished Alumni Award—for Waynesburg University graduates who have become active in the community and excelled professionally.

This year, the Alumni Counsel recognized Chang and Dr. Alice Yim for the Golden Key Award and Daniel Dvorchak for the Distinguished Alumni Award.

Beppler said the event has gravity for all parties involved—to remind the entire campus community of the impact of general and scholarship donations to Waynesburg.

“I think that’s really important to remember,” she said. “Because without those gifts—without that support—the campus wouldn’t be what it is today. And I think that we just continue to grow and get better.”