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Warrior strength, determination and pride can be felt in every classroom, lecture hall, athletic arena, and student gathering place on the campus of East Stroudsburg University. It’s captured in a student’s face as they learn and grow. In an athlete’s expression of joy when they master a challenging skill. It’s in the connections made with new friends who also aspire to achieve greatness in their lifetime.

I am honored to serve as ESU’s interim president and every day witness the triumphs that come from the Warrior academic and athletic experience. I am also grateful and humbled by the selfless alumni, friends, faculty and sta  that play such a critical role in helping make that happen. Fiscal year 2020-2021 was laden with challenges for us all but I’m happy to share that, through your kindness and generosity, the ESU Foundation raised $3,578,787 in total gifts and pledges to support ESU and its students.

Notably, in a year when the entire globe was in the midst of a pandemic, you showed your support, enabling us to provide more than $1 million for student scholarships for the second consecutive year. Our students tell us often that the difference for them to stay enrolled comes down to the scholarship support they receive from you. A few of their inspiring stories can be found within the pages of this report.

In 2020-2021, you rallied for personal and meaningful causes, resulting in the completion of three major fundraising campaigns that will have a direct impact on the way students learn and the positive experience they will take with them upon graduation.

As you read the pages ahead, you will discover how alumni, friends and the community came together with remarkable resolve to help get the job done. The result will be seen in the coming year, including the building of a new Community Health Education and Simulation Center for our students in the College of Health Sciences and local community healthcare organizations. Once complete, an Esports Lab will create an innovative game- based educational environment for digital media students. And the Warriors football program will have a new, modern space that reflects ESU’s dedication to the players, team, and program.

These campaigns are a small part of the overall impact you have made upon ESU and its students. At ESU, we have learned during a unique and unforeseen time in our world that you continue to care and value the importance of a college education. You step forward when asked and take the needed steps to ensure our students have an exceptional experience that prepares them to lead successful lives. In fiscal year 2020-2021, you indeed Answered the Call and for that, I thank you.