Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation established to enhance fundraising and student success at CU-Mansfield

Commonwealth University–Mansfield has taken a significant step to enhance fundraising capabilities and support students, faculty, and programs with the establishment of the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation.

The Trustees of Commonwealth University recognized the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation as an affiliated entity at its May 3 quarterly meeting. This recognition establishes the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation as the only officially recognized foundation that exists solely to support CU-Mansfield and its students.

"CU-Mansfield is important to Commonwealth University and the region, and the development of the MU Mountaineer Foundation is proof of our commitment to Mansfield students, employees, alumni, and the community," explained CU Council of Trustees Chair John Wetzel. "A strong foundation partnered with the leadership of the CU Advancement Office provides the campus community the ability to make a significant and lasting impact on the lives of current and future Mounties."

"The Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation represents an ideal opportunity for our alumni and donors to directly support Mansfield students and the future of the university," said CU President Bashar Hanna. “Through their generosity and support, we can create transformative experiences for our students and continue to elevate the academic excellence of CU-Mansfield."

"The foundation endeavors to solicit vital philanthropic support, with the overarching goal of enriching the educational journey and broadening opportunities for Mansfield students," Dr. Hanna added. "All gifts to the foundation will directly support and make an immediate impact on students, faculty, and programs exclusively at CU-Mansfield."

Dr. Robert Strohecker ‘91, chair of the board of directors of the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation, brings a wealth of community involvement and leadership to his role. "As chair of the board, I am committed to ensuring that the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation operates with transparency, integrity, and a focus on making a meaningful impact," he said. "Our foundation will serve as a beacon of support for CU-Mansfield, providing opportunities for individuals to invest in the future of our students and community."

Kate Billmeyer brings more than two decades of fundraising experience to Mansfield as the Senior Director of Philanthropy.

"I am honored to be a part of this initiative that will directly benefit Mansfield students," said Billmeyer. "The foundation will serve as a platform for alumni and donors to contribute to the success and growth of CU-Mansfield, helping to increase our efforts to provide students with access to the resources they need to thrive."

The inaugural foundation board of directors includes alumni and industry leaders. Eight board members and officers were approved during the Foundation’s first official meeting in April.

• Dr. Robert Strohecker ‘91, Optometrist, Strohecker Vision Care
• Brendan Cregan ‘89, Principal, Hempfield School District
• Bob Christie ‘92, Partner, The Brunswick Group
• Claire Yang ‘04, Partner, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, LLP (PwC)
• Alanna Huck ‘99, Superintendent, Wellsboro Area School District
• Roger Maisner,  Professor Emeritus-MU, Coordinator of Military & Veteran Affairs-MU, MU Athletic Director-Retired
• Freddie Coleman ‘87, ESPN Radio Host
• Matt Baker, Former Director of United States Dept of Health & Human Services, Region 3; Former member of Board of Governors PASSHE; 13-term Member of House of Representatives in PA

The university requests that all gifts in support of Mansfield students go through the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation. Previous gifts given directly to the university will continue to honor and follow donor intent and be used for the area or program specified by the donor.

For more information about the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation and how to get involved, please visit mountaineerfdn.org.