1986
The East Stroudsburg University Foundation was founded on December 1, 1986, with Lawrence Naftulin as director.
1988
The 1893 Society is created recognizing alumni and friends who have established an endowment fund and/or included the ESU Foundation in their estate plans.
1994
The Foundation supported various campus improvements, including the renovation of Dansbury Commons and the University Health Center, as well as the acquisition of the Horizon computer system for Kemp Library.
A corporate sponsor program is created, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive partnership with businesses, foundations and organizations.
1996
A grant provides funds to build the Henry A. Ahnert, Jr. Alumni Center.
2004
Parent and Alumni Phonathon raises nearly $250,000 during the fall semester.
2005
ESU and the Foundation launch Today’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Reality, a $15 million campaign to improve many aspects of campus life and academic programs, including support for the Warren E. ’55 and Sandra Hoeffner Science and Technology Center, athletic facilities and the Fine Arts building.
2013
The Schisler Museum of Wildlife & Natural History is dedicated, showcasing over 130 wildlife specimens and serving as educational resources for students and the community.
2016
50 Years a Warrior fundraising event celebrating Coach Denny Douds raises $130,000 for football program
2018
The campus and surrounding community celebrate the 125th Anniversary of ESU’s founding, refl ecting on its long-standing commitment to education. A fundraising event hosted by the ESU Foundation raised $175,000 for student scholarship.
2019
Scholarship support to ESU students through the ESU Foundation crosses the $1 million mark, sustained and increased for next six consecutive years.
The Dr. Jane Huffman Wildlife Genetics Institute was dedicated in ESU’s Innovation Center at the culmination of a $150,000 fundraising campaign. The institute houses the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab providing testing services to constituents across the state.
Hughes Field and Somers Field were dedicated at the Creekview Park Complex in Stroudsburg. The ribbon cutting followed a $1.8 million fundraising campaign to provides ESU’s baseball and softball teams with a premier location to practice and compete.
2022
Ribbon cutting held celebrating the complete renovation of the Warriors Football Locker Room, the result of a two-year $860,000 campaign
Retirement Celebration for former ESU President Marcia Welsh, Ph.D., raises $38,000 for student scholarship.
The Foundation received a $40,163.55 grant from the Weiler Family
Foundation to support the College of Education Residential Experience at Lenape Hall, fostering inclusive student engagement.
2023
The ESU Foundation achieved a record-breaking $9.58 million in gifts and pledges from over 3,200 donors. This included a historic $4 million bequest from alumna Harriet Hall ’56, marking the largest commitment in the Foundation’s history.
The inaugural celebrations of 14th President Kenneth Long raised funds for student scholarship The ESU Foundation created a Lifetime Giving Society to recognize those whose cumulative gifts have reached $100,000 and above.
Unveiled the Dale and Frances Hughes Foundation Community Health Education and Simulation Center in the DeNike building following a $860,000 fundraising campaign.
Launched Warrior Women Who Give, a women’s giving circle that brings together like-minded ESU alumnae and friends seeking to make an impact.
2025
ESU’s Warriors Esports Room dedicated honoring the generosity of donors who supported the project.
The inaugural Athletics Giving Day raised over $30,000 in 24 hours, benefiting ESU’s 22 NCAA Division II varsity sports.
In conjunction with its 40th year of service, the ESU Foundation launches its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, re-committing itself to supporting every Warrior seeking a higher education