West Chester University & Chester County Community Work Together During Coronavirus

Press release from West Chester University:

April 13, 2020

As neighbors help neighbors all across the nation, communities continue to lift the
human spirit by working together in ways, great and small, to defy the impacts of
COVID-19. Evidence of this could not be more apparent than in the numerous partnerships,
acts of kindness, and goodwill that have been generated by the many faculty, students,
staff, and alumni of West Chester University. Reaching deep into Chester County and
beyond, the University’s community of educators has joined forces to act as a resource
for area citizens, as well as a mighty collective that has welcomed rolling-up its
sleeves to help in whatever way it can.

The West Chester University Foundation has just released a communication to businesses,
community partners, and the University community that details the numerous ways that
WCU is working actively to help its neighbors and friends during this unprecedented
time (www.wcupa.edu/businessPartners). From sending healthy snacks to Chester County Hospital to promoting local restaurants that are open for delivery/takeout to helping children in the community to everything in between, WCU has joined many in Chester County in order to make a difference.

Providing valuable WCU resources has been a critical component of this ongoing effort.
Now more than ever, businesses located in the University’s backyard need boots-on-the-ground
to help them survive in today’s unsettling environment and thrive in tomorrow’s changed
workplace. The examples are as diverse as they are many and include WCU’s School of
Business offering free marketing support from senior marketing majors to area businesses
impacted by the global health crisis; the Cottrell Entrepreneurial Leadership Center
providing free summer virtual interns for startups and small businesses; the Twardowski
Career Development Center continuing to support business’ brand presence within the
WCU community through opportunities like virtual mock interviews, virtual resume reviews,
and general information sessions; and the growing list continues.

“Keeping everyone in our community safe, while supporting the success of our students,
remains a priority,” said West Chester University President Christopher Fiorentino.
“I could not be more proud of the people who comprise this University and make WCU
what it is every day. Our community’s desire to come together, act, and respond in
intentional ways is fueled by the fact that we welcome challenges. We welcome being
a catalyst. We welcome being a partner that can be relied upon.”

“As a critical anchor institution in the region that contributes more than $500 million
in economic impact and with a community of students and faculty that approaches 20,000
people, WCU is here for you to be a resource as you navigate the uncharted waters
ahead,” stated WCU Foundation CEO Christopher Mominey and Director of Corporate &
Foundation Relations Helen Hammerschmidt in a joint letter to partners in the community.

This press release was produced by West Chester University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.