Empower Testimonials
“There is not enough thanks I could say to all the Marywood donors. With the tremendous and outstanding donations, you are the ones who make it possible for students like me to become successful. You help make our dreams come true. Many of us would not be here if not for your generous gifts."
Paige Gill ’23
I am neither an alumna of Marywood nor a native of the surrounding community. Throughout the years, before becoming a Trustee of the University, I have observed and admired Marywood from the outside as it continually redefines itself in an ever-changing educational landscape while being unwaveringly true to its mission. I am proud to sit on a Board that is forward-looking. Marywood itself is empowered by its ability to adapt and go forward. Whether you are on the Board, a student, a faculty member, or an administrator, you are part of a dynamic community, an empowering feeling you sense the moment you step on campus.
Susan Cognetti
Marywood University is growing to meet the needs of students and the community. There is a lot of division and conflict in the world. Unfortunately, college campuses are not immune to this conflict. Marywood creates and sustains a family, faith-based environment. This does and will differentiate us from other institutions. Marywood cares. The Marywood community really cares about people, students, and the institution. I feel the positive energy on campus when I am there. Looking forward, I think it's very important that we continue producing well-rounded students. Students that are not only trained in a specific vocation, but also taught to critically think, effectively communicate, and appreciate the liberal arts. There is a dire need for healthcare professionals in our region and throughout Pennsylvania. By enhancing our health sciences curriculum and facilities, Marywood is answering the call to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.
Robert S. Tamburro
As members of the IHM Congregation, Sisters are encouraged to read the signs of the times and look for unmet needs, and I really feel that's what Marywood does. Like the development of new programs to meet today’s needs. We’re not holding fast to tradition to keep those majors that were important years ago. We are updating our facilities so they are state-of-the-art, so our students can learn in the best environment possible and be prepared for the future. We are meeting the changing needs of the workforce today. That’s what Marywood is doing: keeping pace with the changing times and trends.
Sister Kathleen M. Lunsmann, IHM, 1985
Marywood contributes to society well-educated individuals who will be leaders in our communities and world. I feel that my gifts to Marywood have supported the educational experience, empowering students to embrace future societal and personal demands and effecting positive change.
Col. (Ret.) Lorraine T. Rupp Breen, 1978
Over the past six years as I have become reacquainted with Marywood, I have been most impressed with the University's capacity for change. It is impressive to see the way its purpose has been expanded from being primarily a classical liberal arts college to become a university with liberal arts at the core but with an increasing array of high-quality professional education opportunities; programs that better fit students to current employment opportunities.
Bernadette Gray-Little, 1966, Ph.D.
If given a chance to thank the thousands of donors at Marywood, I would start by letting them know what an honor it is to meet them in person as I shake their hands. Then I would express my gratitude by thanking each and everyone of them from the bottom of my heart for the opportunity which they have given to myself and all the other students here at Marywood to follow our career paths. Because of their great generosity students like me have a real chance to a bright and successful future. This is a gift that is priceless, everlasting, and shines bright like the sun over the earth.
Vonette Muir-Castelblano '23
I owe much of my success to the invaluable experiences and education I received at Marywood. The University played a pivotal role in shaping my journey, and I am honored to give back through the EMPOWER campaign. Supporting the campaign is my way of ensuring that current and future students have the same opportunities for growth and empowerment that I was fortunate to receive. Marywood instilled in me a sense of purpose, and as a donor, I am committed to being a catalyst for positive change in the lives of students who aspire to reach their fullest potential.
Michael E. Bugno, 1998
Upgrading the program’s environment will provide a new energy to the development as a whole, in the Marywood community. The Nursing Program expansion will bring in a whole new generation of students who will have a bigger and better facility to practice in with state-of-the-art advancement. This will be great for future students!
Ricky Stains '26
Because of the generosity of Marywood alumni and friends, I have the ability to pursue an exceptional post-secondary education, learn in a comfortable environment, spend time with valuable people, and make unforgettable memories. I have made friends I hope to never lose, been involved in my community more than ever, and I have learned so much about myself in the process. As a pre-PA major, I am working hard to be accepted into the Marywood Physician Assistant Program in my sophomore year. This motivated me to become a nurse’s assistant at a local rehabilitation hospital and learn the basic ins and outs of patient care. Two specialties that interest me are Pediatrics and Cardiology - once I graduate, I look forward to working in healthcare. I am very grateful for the education I am receiving, for my hometown, and my community. In the future, I plan to pay it forward staying involved as a Marywood alumna, serving as a Physician’s Assistant, and maintaining valuable relationships with my family and my community. The support our generous donors provide has granted me numerous experiences and will continue to make a lasting impact on my life. In the future, I would like give back to Marywood in order to inspire Marywood students, just like our current donors have inspired me.” THANK YOU for giving me the gift of opportunity. I hope to do the same for others!
Samantha Mushak '21
“Every donation that alumni and donors have (made to) Marywood University has helped the student with various needs. These donations and the time the donors have (given to) Marywood are immensely appreciated.”
Evelyn Thomas '25