DEPARTMENTS
2024 West Chester University
ALUMNI BOARD OF
DIRECTORS ELECTION
The Nominating Committee of the West Chester University Alumni Association (WCUAA) is pleased to announce the 2024 WCUAA Board of Directors ballot. Six members will be elected to serve a three-year term of office beginning on July 1, 2024. The results of the election will be posted online at wcualumni.org before July 1, 2024.
The background information on each nominee for the 2024-2027 term appears below. Please note that nominees are listed in the same order that they appear on the ballot. Questions regarding the election should be directed to the Office of Alumni Engagement at 610-436-2813 or alumni@wcufoundation.org.
Glenn Sarsale
Education: WCU, M.B.A., 2021
As an accomplished architect with more than 25 years of experience, I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the WCU Alumni Association Board of Directors. Throughout my career, I have successfully completed more than two million square feet of architectural projects across North America, showcasing my expertise and dedication to the field. In addition to my professional accomplishments, I am actively involved in giving back to the community through volunteering at Philadelphia’s Habitat for Humanity and serving as a post-disaster safety evaluator for Cal OES. Being a member of the American Institute of Architects and an MBA graduate from West Chester University’s class of 2021, I am enthusiastic about contributing to my alma mater and making a positive impact on the community that has shaped me.
Joyce Woodson**
Education: WCU, B.S., Education, 1975; WCU, M.S, Counseling, 1979; Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Master of Theological Studies, 2005
West Chester University played a major role in my socio-emotional and professional development. As an undergrad, while serving on the Student Council, I learned that sometimes only a few voices can shape the direction of a major institution and that lending my voice was important to do. As a graduate assistant assessing the grounds and buildings for handicap accessibility, I learned that a small act can make a huge difference. As an educator, I learned that WCU is a highly respected institution and that graduates are sought after. I owe my career in counseling to professors who recommended me and mentored me. My desire now is to give back, and I am now in a position to do so. I am hopeful that I will be given the opportunity.
Thomas W. Fillippo
Education: WCU, B.A., History, 2015; Villanova University, Six Sigma Green Belt, 2006; United States Army BNCO School, 2011
West Chester University has been a part of my life ever since I was born. My father was a graduate, served on many boards, and has always instilled in me the importance of giving back to the community and the University. When I received the email about looking for candidates to serve on the WCUAA Board of Directors, I recognized that this would be a great opportunity to start giving back to the University that I not only graduated from but that has been a part of my family tradition. Go Rams!
Roy Blumenthal
Education: WCU, B.S., Kinesiology, 1983; Temple University, M.S., Sports Administration
It is time for me to give back to West Chester University, which gave me an unbelievable opportunity to meet and work with amazing people. I am a strong believer in tradition, and being a member of the board would offer a platform to be able to keep and support some of the great traditions of WCU.
Alicia Long
Education: WCU, B.S., Criminal Justice, 2015; WCU, M.S., Criminal Justice, 2016; Bryn Mawr College, Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute, 2019; Shaw Academy, 2020
Having attended West Chester University for both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, being involved in numerous clubs and boards on campus, and subsequently hosting and training current WCU interns in my career, I feel that I would make a dedicated and worthwhile asset to serve on the WCUAA Board of Directors. Not only has WCU been crucial to my education, but it has proven to be a turning point in my life to lead me in service to others. My work with at-risk foster and juvenile probation youth and as a foster-to-adopt mother has been so rewarding; serving on this board would be dually fulfilling and would allow for an even greater impact on myself and others.
William Scottoline
Education: WCU, B.S., Secondary Education- Biology, 1974
Since I joined the WCUAA Board in 2015, I continue to be motivated by seeking to be more involved with the success of current students, increasing the engagement of alumni, and enhancing the success of the University. I have been able to meet alumni, students, and their families at a number of commencements while speaking on behalf of the WCU Alumni Association at Homecoming and Alumni Weekend, at student Move-In Day, and at graduating senior t-shirt giveaways. These events continue to lift me and give me confidence that WCU is accomplishing its mission very well. I hope to be able to continue my service to the WCUAA for a third term.
Paris Webb
Education: WCU, B.S., Criminal Justice, 1988; University of Phoenix, M.S., Administration of Justice and Security, 2012
Serving as a member of the WCUAA was indeed a privilege and honor for me during the 2022-2023 term. I was involved and updated on current and future plans for the University and was also able to interact with former and current students on campus. I look forward to hopefully rejoining.
Kyla Eryka de Guia
Education: WCU, B.M., Music, 2021
I am interested in serving on the Board of Directors as I want to contribute to the mission of WCU. As an alumna, I’ve tried to remain active with activities as well as keep in contact with other fellow alumni by collaborating on various projects. During my time in WCU, it’s been a place where I can freely express my ideas, and if elected I would help advocate for overall better mental health with students.
Joseph Cassel**
Education: WCU, B.A., Communication Studies, 1979; Army War College, M.A., Security Studies, 2001; Naval War College, M.A., National Security and Strategic Studies, 1993; Naval Postgraduate School, M.S., Material Logistics Support, 1987
It has been wonderful to serve on the WCUAA Board; witness the vibrancy and excellence of WCU leaders, professors, and students; and see the future promise. WCU stands proud among Pennsylvania state universities in these tough times. So many students — and parents — see the value in a WCU education and experience. Much work remains; the effort must continue and adapt. My WCU student time was vital: to mature, to grow my critical thinking and communication skills, and to clarify values. It provided a basis for a 27-year military career and 15 more years in the Defense Department, exposure to 40+ foreign countries, and a broad perspective as an American and a citizen. I simply want to serve. It’s an honor to assist the impressive WCU faculty and administrators to navigate forward so tomorrow’s WCU students can achieve their goals and dreams.
Michael Hartman
Education: WCU, B.S., Education, 2002
I want to give back to a campus community that gave me so much. Planning large-scale, special events and cultivating opportunities for alumni to reconnect are skills I plan to bring to WCUAA. I hope my creative perspective and multidimensional college and career experience are assets in welcoming all alums back to their purple and gold roots. But at the end of the day, it’s all about investing in the next generation of Golden Rams.
LaToya Fowler
Education: WCU, B.S., Criminal Justice, 2009; Wilmington University, M.Ed., 2012; The Real Estate School, 2015; Omega School of Real Estate, 2021
Receiving an invitation to join the WCUAA Board of Directors would fulfill my goal of giving back to my alma mater. WCU promotes leadership, inclusivity, diversity, and hard work, all of which mirror my strengths. My contributions upon election would include: respecting the opinions of others, suggesting new and innovative ideas, instilling its mission, and promoting its success.
Johanna Troelsch
Education: WCU, B.S.W., Social Work, 2010; WCU, M.S.W, Social Work, 2012
My optimistic and creative approach to life will aid the WCUAA Board in ways that support community involvement. I am proud to be a double WCU alumna and feel the experiences I have had since graduating have equipped me to connect with people, families, and communities. My passions combined with my skillset will bring a new energy to alumni outreach and involvement. I look forward to serving on the board with the goal of inclusion, accessibility, creativity, and community service.
**Running for a second term
Online Voting Guidelines
The following alumni have been nominated for election to serve on the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the WCUAA Nominating Committee. Each has agreed to serve if elected.
All WCU graduates are eligible to vote for a maximum of six (6) candidates.
- Alumni who choose to vote online can go to www.wcualumni.org and select 2024 Board of Directors Election. Follow the voting instructions.
- The ballot must be received by mail no later than 12 p.m. on Friday, May 10, 2024.
More from the Spring 2024 Issue
News
Alumni Honored at Commencement
Invests in the University’s future
Profiles
Donor:
Tahany Naggar
Unwavering Support for WCU
Alumni:
Lisa ’88 & Paul Emrick ’88
Continue Their WCU Connection
Student:
Julie Ward
Trustee Role is Transformative