WCU Magazine Summer 2025

Dear West Chester University Community,

This spring we had the pleasure of watching more than 3,100 Golden Rams become West Chester University (WCU) alumni during 16 individual commencement ceremonies. Combined with the numbers of graduates from our fall commencement ceremonies, a total of 4,193 Golden Rams graduated during the 2024-2025 academic year. WCU graduates are our north star. As I approach my 29th year at WCU, there continues to be nothing more affirming or inspiring than watching each class cross the finish line amidst loud cheers, thunderous applause, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

With thoughts turning to our graduates’ next steps as they go out to change the world, experiential learning opportunities and career preparation seemed to be a fitting focus for the summer issue of WCU Magazine. At the heart of our University’s mission lies a commitment to prepare graduates who are not merely qualified for the jobs of today, but are equally equipped to think critically and be resilient in a constantly changing environment.

Over the years, experiential learning and career preparation at WCU have transformed and been reimagined as an active, continuous process. From trailblazing research to entrepreneurial innovation to compassionate human service to artistic expression and everything in between, WCU students engage with a multi-pronged approach to career development very early on in their academic careers. This intentional strategy means that by graduation, many of our students have established networks, gained practical experiences, as well as honed skills that employers readily seek out.

The results speak for themselves; our graduates are finding success. By deliberately connecting academic excellence with applied-learning milestones, we are ensuring that Golden Rams have a cumulative and lasting impact on our communities, our Commonwealth, our country, and our world.

Yours,

R. Lorraine Bernotsky, DPhil
President
West Chester University