Final Thoughts

Eastern students, faculty and staff have returned to a healthy, vibrant campus this fall following more than two years of the global COVID pandemic. Our faculty have scheduled a full complement of on-ground courses, our residential housing staff have welcomed several thousand students returning to live on campus, and we are encouraged by the resumption of many other signs of engaging, active campus life.

Our students demonstrate resilience and resolve as they pursue their college careers. Nonetheless, as we move beyond COVID, many students continue to be challenged to meet the cost of their education. The support we receive from Eastern donors is crucial to our ability to assist students with unmet need. I am gratified that the spirit of giving has been maintained throughout these difficult times. This past June, we honored several generous donors at the annual President’s Leadership Luncheon.

One of those special friends is David Foster, whose $250,000 gift from the Lester E. and Phyllis M. Foster Foundation was truly a hallmark donation. We also recognized Accounting Professor Moh’d RuJoub, whose endowed family scholarship supports Eastern accounting students. As well, a highly successful fundraising event was held this past April honoring retired Vice President Walter Diaz, raising more than $40,000 to start an endowed scholarship. These are just a few examples of how Eastern donors are stepping forward to assist students with unmet financial need.

Annual giving this past year exceeded our goal of $1.5 million, and we project a record $900,000 in scholarship awards this fiscal year. While I am pleased to report such positive numbers, the heartfelt gratitude we receive from scholarship recipients is our most precious reward.

We live in an increasingly interconnected world community. Eastern is committed to graduating students who are prepared for this 21st century global workplace, dedicated to being active citizens in the communities in which they live, ready to adapt to the inevitable changes taking place around us. With your support, I am confident the University can continue to meet our important role.

To each of our supporters, thank you for being part of the Eastern family! With our new online directory and other alumni services — such as our book club and webinar series — there are many other ways for you to stay connected to your alma mater.

Kenneth J. DeLisa
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
and Chief Human Resources Officer