Stacey Robertson, PhD

Widener University is pleased to announce the newest members of its board of trustees, who include four alumni and one current student. Their appointments took effect in May and the board held its first full meeting of the new academic year Oct. 30.

As the university’s governing body, Widener’s board of trustees is entrusted with the institution’s long-term success. The board monitors and oversees critical aspects of the university, including educational quality, financial strength, mission and the student experience. The new trustees include:

• Susan Larkin, ‘88, executive vice president and president of Core Commercial Markets at Independence Health Group. She holds a degree in accounting from the School of Business Administration.
• Dave Velazquez, ’81, recently retired president and CEO of PECO. He holds a degree in engineering from the School of Engineering.
• Kevin Wiggins, ’95, chief financial officer of Power Home Remodeling. He holds a degree in accounting from the School of Business Administration.
• Jack Dwyer, ’78, founder and CEO of CFG Bank and founder and CEO of Capital Funding Group, a healthcare and multifamily financing group comprised of 11 companies. He holds a degree in accounting from the School of Business Administration.
• Damon Edwards II, a second-year law student at Delaware Law school. Edwards was named to a two-year term and has voting rights as a trustee.

“I am absolutely delighted to work with our new trustees,” President Stacey Robertson said. “Each one brings a caring and student-centered approach, a deep commitment to giving back to Widener, and an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience that will enrich our institution. We are fortunate to welcome this outstanding new class of trustees.”

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/widener-welcomes-five-new-trustees

Dear Widener Community,

There’s something truly special about the start of a new academic year! After a summer of renewal, our campuses are alive again with energy, enthusiasm and a wonderful sense of anticipation. 

I am especially thrilled to expand our culture of belonging to so many new students, who join our returning students as part of the Widener community. You have all worked very hard to get here and you’re right where you belong. Our faculty and staff in Chester, Wilmington and Harrisburg are relentlessly committed to your success. This first week of classes in Chester we are continuing a tradition of providing student "help stations" on the academic quad, where volunteers serve as key resources, answer questions, and provide small treats to celebrate the new year. If you have a question or a concern, stop by so we can help. If you’re all good, just stop by and say hello!

We hope this visible sign of support, along with numerous welcoming events held at both of our law schools, reminds students how much we’re rooting for them and that they belong at Widener. As I told the incoming first-year students at convocation on Friday, there will be highs and lows throughout your year, but know this is a community that is loyal, committed and determined to see everyone succeed. We have your back!

I look forward to seeing you out there at upcoming athletic events, lectures, panel discussions, arts and musical events, symposia and more. Let’s make it a great year!

With warmth and Widener Pride,
Stacey

Stacey Robertson, PhD
President

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Widener welcomed U.S. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon to campus for a women’s history month talk and fireside chat with President Stacey Roberton. The event was sponsored by the gender, women, and sexuality studies department and Project Pericles. 

Scanlon spoke to students, faculty, and staff about her work and the issues that are important to her when representing Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District, including women’s rights, healthcare and wage gaps. She also emphasized the importance of empowering women and other members of traditionally marginalized communities to become involved in the community and in politics as a way to enact change. 

Afterward, Scanlon and Robertson sat together and discussed women’s central – and often unrecognized – role in history and as historical leaders, and how society can use history to navigate the future. From the women’s suffrage movement, to civil rights, to the current day, they discussed the power of open communication and accurate information within communities. They also spoke about inspiring courage for those who wish to stand up for their beliefs and taking time to do so safely and peacefully. 

Both women touched on the importance of finding a community, role models, and using voting as a vital tool to share thoughts and opinions. The event was followed by questions from attendees and a brief reception.

 Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/us-rep-mary-gay-scanlon-joins-president-stacey-robertson-womens-history-month-event

Happy New Year and welcome to the beginning of the spring semester! Whether you are a returning student in Chester, Harrisburg or Delaware, or new to Widener, I am so excited you are here.

A new calendar year gives us the chance for a fresh start.  I absolutely love to use January as an opportunity to set goals. It turns out, change is easier when starting a new chapter! This year, I’m working to increase my daily meditation. I know that integrating new habits into an established routine is helpful, so I now meditate immediately following my daily stretching. I’ve also started tracking my meditation because creating a long streak is so motivating! I’m even giving myself rewards along the way, like more lunch desserts! I’ve already decided to allow room for small failures, so that obstacles won’t be an excuse for me to give up. 

I invite you to reflect on your goals for 2025. Whether it’s taking a daily nature walk, joining one new organization, or creating and sticking to a study schedule, please know that the Widener community is here to cheer for you every step of the way. You are right where you belong. And know that if you have a stumble, or had some stumbles last semester, it’s OK and this is the start of a new opportunity. We are a community that supports each other. 

As we move forward, let's embrace this opportunity to begin again with a renewed sense of community and collaboration. Remember, every small step forward brings us closer to success, and together we can achieve great things. Let's celebrate our victories, support each other, and make this semester truly remarkable. Here's to fresh starts and a successful year ahead!

With Warmth and Widener Pride,

Stacey

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The Philadelphia Business Journal has named Widener President Stacey Robertson to its list of 2024 Most Admired CEOs. 

Recipients are chosen based on the work they have undertaken in their current role in the context of their careers, how they give back to the community, and other ways they positively impact greater Philadelphia. Robertson is widely admired at Widener for her dedication to the university’s commitment to belonging, and to providing a welcoming place for all. She lives into that promise each day with her warm, engaging manner and her relentless commitment to the ethos of “We’re All Widener.” Under her leadership, the university has welcomed back-to-back, record-setting first-year undergraduate classes.

Robertson was among 25 honorees in the highly competitive program that recognizes executives in both nonprofit and for-profit sectors. She and the other winners were recognized this week at a dinner at Vie in Philadelphia.

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