Multimillion Dollar Endowed Scholarship Gift Sets a Record at Marywood
At its recent Presidential Society Dinner, the late Regina P. Tirpak ’59 was inducted into the Saint Alphonsus Society, which honors benefactors whose lifetime commitments to Marywood have reached or exceeded $500,000. Her generous estate gift, exceeding $3 million, is one of the largest gifts to Marywood University to date. Regina Tirpak was a graduate of Marywood College, where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in home economics, a discipline that she taught at Wyoming Valley West for 30 years.
Sister Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., president of Marywood University, said, “We are truly grateful to Regina for her generosity and vision, which made possible the establishment of the Tirpak Family Memorial Scholarship, benefitting female students studying Nutrition and Dietetics at Marywood.”
Additionally, John P., Sr. and Jean Blackledge Sweeney were honored at the Presidential Society Dinner with the Presidential Mission Medal, for their service and commitment to Marywood’s core values of Catholic identity, respect, empowerment, and excellence.
The Sweeneys exemplify philanthropy in action, and the cause of education is at the top of their agenda. They are faithful benefactors of several regional educational institutions, including Marywood University. Together, they established several scholarships to provide educational access and a world of opportunities to generations of grateful students.
Mr. Sweeney served as the President of Specialty Defense Systems in Dunmore prior to his retirement. A graduate of the University of Scranton, Mr. Sweeney was president at the company’s inception and served in this capacity until 2000. He was a Marywood University Trustee from 2009-2018. Mrs. Sweeney graduated from the Scranton State Hospital School of Nursing and attended Marywood. She had her own successful career as an occupational health nurse at the former Haddon Craftsman in Scranton.
Presidential Mission Medal recipients inspire others to serve and advance the University’s commitment to excellence and empowerment through education. Sister Mary Persico said, “Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney’s enduring commitment to the mission of Marywood University, through the generous gifts of their time, energy, talents, and personal resources, will continue to benefit and transform the lives of our students, now and for future generations.”
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Sister Mary Persico, IHM Encourages 2024 Graduates to Reflect on Choices at Milestone Moments
More than 800 students were part of Marywood’s 106th annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
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2024 Commencement Medalists Announced
The bestowal of medals for academic excellence and achievement is occurring Friday, May 17, 2024, during various Hooding and Honors ceremonies on campus.
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Marywood Students Join Annual AICUP Day on the Hill
A group of six Marywood students and a staff member were among 170 attendees from 23 different schools to participate in the annual Pennsylvania education advocacy event.