Why We Give Back: Robin Dole and Joe Gelormini ’14 ‘23

When Robin Dole, dean of the College of Health & Human Services, joined the faculty of Widener’s then-new physical therapy program, she remembered thinking, “I’ll give this teaching thing a try.”

She soon discovered that shifting from clinical settings to the classroom “was everything I thought it was going to be and more.”
That was 31 years ago. Now, the dean and her husband, Joe Gelormini ‘14 ‘23, credit Widener for fueling their professional growth—and their dedication to paying it forward.

After Dole earned a doctorate degree, she served as director of the physical therapy program before transitioning to an associate dean role in the School of Human Service Professions, which was a precursor to the College of Health and Human Services. There, she played a pivotal part in the development of several degree programs, including occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, physician assistant studies and health professions education. She also helped launch Widener’s Chester Community Clinic.

The parallel trajectories of Dole’s evolving career and the expansion of the College of Health & Human Services dovetailed when she was promoted to dean and led the process of renaming the college to its current title, to reflect its growing number of degree offerings.

“Widener has invested a lot in me,” Dole said. “Whenever I was seeking growth or advancement, I’ve been able find it right here.”

Dole’s husband Joe, who owns and manages residential and commercial rental properties, said his Widener experience has had a lasting impact personally and professionally. In 2014, he earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational development and leadership and later returned to pursue a master’s in taxation and financial planning, graduating in 2023.

“I loved the education I received, and I loved the campus,” Gelormini said, praising the flexibility of hybrid and online learning and the connections he’s made as a student and now an alumnus —including classmates who became friends and faculty whose enthusiasm for what they taught was infectious. “I'm appreciative for all Widener has to offer and everything it has done for my life.”

The couple said supporting programs that simultaneously drive student success and benefit the surrounding community has been a thread throughout their contributions.

The breadth and depth of Widener’s clinics and centers—and the core roles that civic and community engagement play in its culture—give members of the Pride ample opportunities to invest in what’s important to them, in whatever ways are feasible.

“I think of giving in terms of your time, your talent and your treasure,” Dole said. “Widener supports and accepts all of those things.” For instance, she recalled that in the Chester Community Clinic’s early days, many people donated time and equipment to position the clinic for success. 

Dole noted that helping these spaces and other areas of the university thrive unleashes powerful ripple effects. As students gain hands-on experience that shapes their futures, area residents can access healthcare, childcare and support for their small businesses close to home.

Extending from Widener’s mission to make a difference, Dole pointed out, is its commitment to celebrating those who make it happen. She highlighted the many forms of appreciation that she and Joe have experienced for their philanthropy, “in thanks and also in recognition.”

On the flipside, Dole said she has enjoyed many wonderful opportunities, in her role as dean, to express gratitude to supporters of CHHS programs—especially when she can show firsthand how those gifts created positive change.

“When you can touch people, and when you have lots of ways to give back,” Dole said, “you can immediately see the impact.”