Matching Gifts
Your generosity can change the world.
Because of donors like you, students gain the freedom and support to explore their gifts and talents, grow their confidence and achieve more than they ever dreamed.
Matching gifts are excellent ways to leverage your giving to DeSales University, and in some cases, even those made by spouses and retirees. In some cases, the corporate match may even double or triple the impact of your gift.
To increase your giving impact, a match must be applied for through the employer either through a paper form or an online portal. We invite you to search for your employer (and spouse’s employer) to see if they have a matching gift policy. (Retirees, please enter your prior employer’s name.) The directory (below) includes more than 24,000 employer-matching programs, and many of the matching gift guidelines and forms can be accessed through it.
Gifts of Securities
DeSales University is pleased to accept gifts of securities.
Shares of stock and mutual funds may be transferred electronically to DeSales University by using the DeSales account at Morgan Stanley. When requesting a stock transfer, you will need to provide your broker with the desired number of shares you wish to transfer, the DTC (Deposit Trust Company) wire number, and DSU’s account number.
It is important that you contact DeSales regarding the transfer, as DeSales is unable to determine who donated electronically transferred securities.
You are entitled to a charitable income tax deduction for the full market value of the securities. This value is based on the average of the high and low price on the date of delivery (the date the stock is transferred into the DeSales account at Morgan Stanley).
You will receive an acknowledgment from DeSales University for the value of your gift.
Donor Recognition
Donor recognition within the clubs listed below is based on the total contributions received by the University during the academic year (July 1 to June 30). For donor recognition purposes, all corporate matching gifts are allocated to the employee donor.
Recognition Club |
Level of Giving |
| The DeSales Society | $50,000+ |
| The President's Society | $25,000 to $49,999 |
| The Oblate Society | $10,000 to $24,999 |
| The 1965 Society | $1,965+ |
| Supporting Member | $1 to $1,965 |
Information to include with the transfer request to your broker:
Transfer to: DeSales University’s account at Morgan Stanley
Attn: Carol Kline
Phone: 610.391.6365
Email: Caroline.Kline@morganstanley.com
DTC Wire # 0015
DeSales University Account #604-012540
Please remember to notify DeSales of the transfer!
Please include the following information:
- The number of shares being transferred
- The name of the stock or mutual fund
- The anticipated date of transfer
- The desired purpose of your donation
Thank you!
Polly Ranson
DeSales University
Office of Institutional Advancement
2755 Station Avenue
Center Valley, PA 18034-9568
610.282.1100, ext. 1388
polly.ranson@desales.edu
Capital Campaign
More than 50 years ago, the intersection of Station Avenue and Landis Mill Road was little more than a stretch of 300 acres of cornfields with only a few trees, some farmhouses, and a stray barn to interrupt the sweeping landscape.
Over the years, that space has been developed into the home of DeSales University, and now serves more than 3.400 students in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Nearly 19,000 alumni who have distinguished themselves in their careers serve as ambassadors of the DeSales University education and experience.
But as academic programs continue to grow in stature, as the number of students continues to increase, and as the need for the University to disseminate the teachings of its patron, Saint Francis de Sales, becomes more, the need for facilities is most pressing.
The University completed the first project of the Transformation Campaign by building the Gambet Center for Business and Health Care Education academic building — a showcase of green architecture featuring environmentally advanced design consistent with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards of the U.S. Green Building Council.
DeSales has now completed the first phase of the Athletics Transformation Campaign. In the summer of 2015, DeSales added a lighted turf field and grandstands for lacrosse and field hockey, a second turf practice field adjoining the stadium, a new track, throwing areas, grass practice fields across Station Avenue, and other infrastructure such as parking lots and sidewalks in preparation for future projects.
Recently completed projects include the construction of Weiland Park, a 500-seat baseball facility and McGettigan Softball Park along with a completed concession building servicing outdoor athletic facilities along Preston Lane, as well as restrooms and a beautiful plaza area.
For more information on your opportunity to contribute to the growth of DeSales University, contact Institutional Advancement at (610) 282-4604.
Planned Giving
You may be looking for a way to make a significant gift to help further our mission. A bequest is a gift made through your will or trust. It is one of the most popular and flexible ways that you can support our cause.
Choose Your Impact
Make Your Greatest Impact Today
Your gift to The DeSales Fund supports our highest priority of financial aid and scholarships and impacts every student on campus. The need for financial aid is a reality for the vast majority of our students. In fact, every year, 97% of our students require some form of scholarship or aid. These critical dollars come from generous DeSales University alumni, family, and community members like you.
Your gift helps provide a transformative Salesian education for our students and fortifies the foundation for the future of DeSales University. By contributing to our financial aid program, you are not only investing in the education of our students but also empowering them to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
Sustaining academic programs is important in today’s world so we can continue to provide excellent environments for learning. To help support this, the University has created endowment funds for the ongoing sustainability of academic programs.
The William Dwyer Endowment for Excellence in Undergraduate Business Education
Supports academic development by funding travel expenses for students presenting at academic conferences, supporting club activities and guest lecturers visiting campus as an example. Funds also maintain the Gambet Center’s cutting-edge technology through the purchase of updated equipment and the latest software programs.
Dr. Hal Dolenga Endowment for Excellence in Graduate Business Education (MBA)
Honoring Dr. Hal Dolenga, the first director of the MBA program at DeSales, this endowment funds faculty research, supports partnerships with the business community and fosters international relationships with businesses and universities.
The Dr. Caroline Hollshwandner Endowment for Excellence in Undergraduate Nursing Education
Named for the founder and long-time nursing department chair at DeSales, funds are used for equipment and technology, as well as student programming like lecturers and student participation in presentations or conferences.
The Excellence in Graduate Nursing Education Endowment
The Excellence in Graduate Nursing Education Endowment was created to support equipment, technology and programming in the graduate nursing programs.
The Dr. Julius G. Bede Scholarship Fund
Created with a bequest from the late Dr. Bede who served DeSales University for more than twenty-five years as professor, chair of the department of mathematics and computer science, and founding director of the MSIS graduate program, this fund provides scholarships for our computer science and mathematics students.
The Annmarie Reimer Houck '90 Endowment for Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics Education
Created to honor 25 years of service by beloved mathematics professor, the endowment enhances undergraduate academic mathematics programs by funding conferences, symposia, and workshops hosted by the department, guest lecturers, student participation in conferences, and the purchase of equipment, technology, computer software, and special library purchases.
Dr. Harry Warren Endowment for Natural Science Equipment
Honoring the late Dr. Harry O. Warren, founder of the DSU chemistry department and long-time department head, this endowment funds the purchase and maintenance of high-quality, modern science equipment for science-based majors.
The Dr. Rodger Berg Endowment for Excellence in Undergraduate Natural Science Education
Funds the purchase of equipment, technology, and programming in the Natural Science Department.
The Excellence in Physician Assistant Studies Education Endowment
The Excellence in Physician Assistant Studies Education Endowment was created specifically to fund equipment and technology, as well as student programming. The endowment supports students on international clinical rotations where they are able to provide primary health care and birthing services. Most recently, rotations have been completed in Peru and Tanzania. The endowment also supports student attendance and travel to the PA State Bowl and also the National Medical Challenge Bowl. DeSales has previously won 5 national titles, three of which were consecutive.
The Physician Assistant Allentown Rescue Mission - DeSales University Free Clinic Endowment
The Physician Assistant Allentown Rescue Mission - DeSales University Free Clinic Endowment was created to support the full operation of the student-run clinic, which has served more than 1,500 patients with free primary and acute care, laboratory services, and medications since its inception. Students learn while they serve the homeless of Allentown Students and now also offer health services through the Rescue Mission Clinic to a shelter for women recovering from sex trafficking.
Build Your Own Endowment
Sustaining academic programs is important in today’s world so we can continue to provide excellent environments for learning. To help support this, the University has created endowment funds for the ongoing sustainability of academic programs.
Since DeSales was founded, generous donors have created more than 100 endowments. Annual funding has been provided to support scholarships, facilities and equipment, faculty resources, labs, learning technology, and other items. Donors have invested in DeSales to create exciting outcomes across campus and transform the lives of our students.
To learn more about building your own endowment, reach out to Cheryl Murphy, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at DeSales, at 610-282-1100 ext. 1245, or email at Cheryl.Murphy@desales.edu
Daniel J. Gallagher Memorial Fund
Honors alum Dan Gallagher '00 who was lost in the 9/11 attacks.
DeSales Doctor of Physical Therapy International Service Fund
Initiated by DPT graduate Therese Jordan '15 to offset costs for DPT students traveling to Guatemala. Each year, DPT students travel to the Zacapa province in southeastern Guatemala to provide physical therapy services to poor, sick, and impaired children.
Father Alexander Pocetto, OSFS, ACCESS Scholarship
As so many non-traditional students will remember, getting to graduation day was tough. The late nights, the anticipation of finals, the stress. But, finally the excitement of graduation came and it was all worth it. In addition to the school work is the worry of how to pay for tuition. With corporate reimbursements and other forms of tuition supplementation drying up, our ACCESS students can certainly benefit from scholarship dollars. Since 2012, we have been awarding the Father Alexander Pocetto, OFSF, ACCESS Scholarship. This fund honors the ACCESS program founder and is awarded to ACCESS students only, a category of students who typically don’t qualify for other forms of government or school aid. These scholarship funds truly make a difference for hard working ACCESS students.
Fleming Institute for Business Ethics
The mission of The Fleming Institute for Business Ethics is to promote a culture of ethical awareness and action in the business professions. The guiding vision of this Institute is to link the corporate and educational communities in a collaborative effort to promote ethical behavior in the world of business. Another important focus of The Fleming Institute for Business Ethics is the development of graduates of the DeSales University business programs who are poised, mature, articulate, and prepared to work in diverse environments, all with a conviction that doing what is right and good is the ultimate measure of success in business. The Fleming Institute’s programs and activities will also be offered to the local and regional business communities. The Fleming Institute for Business Ethics was established in 2009 through the generosity of Richard Fleming and his family foundation.
Friends of Trexler Library
The Trexler Library, which opened in 1988, is a dynamic information center housing a vast number of items in a variety of mediums. The collection includes books, journals, videos and an extensive electronic database. The Trexler Library serves as both the University’s student library as well as a community library with access to items from other area libraries through the inter-library loan program and was strategically designed to offer a variety of custom-designed spaces for both group and individual study. Trexler offers the help of friendly librarians who are always interested in helping you on your educational journey. Throughout the day, you will find students gathering here working, doing research and diligently studying. Since its opening, the Library has had several major renovations and updates and funding to Friends of Trexler Library supports unfunded library needs.
Gateway to Success
Each year, the Gateway to Success program supports a specially-chosen cohort of motivated but at-risk students in their transition from high school to college and helps them foster meaningful relationship-building among peers, mentors, and academic staff. This helps these at-risk students establish a strong foundation for progress toward a timely graduation. In keeping with the DeSales philosophy of Christian humanism, Gateway To Success supports participating students in their endeavor to develop the best version of themselves through active engagement with academic, personal, and social responsibilities
Global Service Fund
One of the areas that makes DeSales so unique is our strong tradition of service. Each year, the vast majority of DeSales University students participate in some form of service both in the US and abroad. While the University is able to fund a large percentage of these trips, many of our students who wish to pursue their passion of service, particularly in places of severe poverty and need, aren’t able to afford the remaining airfare and other travel dollars unfunded by the University. Students apply for travel grants through the Global Service Fund each year and upon return from their journey, share their experiences with donors through correspondence as well as an annual luncheon.
Madison-Varley Liturgical Music Scholars Endowment
Established to support DeSales University’s Catholic Liturgical Music Scholars program with funding for a wide range of needs including but not limited to equipment and other materials, recordings, travel, guest artists, fees and other operating expenses.
Matthew Knehans Memorial Scholarship Fund
Knehans Family Scholarship Honoring Matthew Knehans ’96. Former DeSales professor Dr. Erich Knehans and his wife, Cheryl Nabholz, have set up an ongoing scholarship fund in honor of their son, Matthew Knehans, a 1996 DeSales graduate who passed away in 2015.
Moriello Scholarship for Business Students
Established by business alum Nick Moriello '96 for scholarships for business majors.
Play It Forward Liturgical Music Scholars Endowment
Established to help enrich music programs in communities and/or houses of worship around the world. All Catholic Liturgical Music Scholars are eligible to receive a one-time $2,500 cash award upon graduation with the simple declaration that they will “go forth and amplify” by contributing to the musical arts in their chosen communities and/or houses of worship.
Rev. Bernard F. Donahue, OSFS, Scholarship Fund
Honors the late, beloved DeSales professor of more than 30 years.
Rev. William Guerin, OSFS, Scholarship Fund
Honors the late, beloved, longtime treasurer of DeSales University. Supports undergraduate students from the Philadelphia area.
Simon Gegg Scholarship
Aids a financially needy accounting of finance student interested in an international learning experience to England or Ireland.
Veterans Scholarship
A graduate and friend of the University, who is a veteran of the United States Navy and Naval Reserves, along with his wife, saw a need for his alma mater to deliver scholarship funds to US Veterans. The Veterans Scholarship will assist financially needy student veterans in obtaining their college degree. Through financial aid and other expense supplementation when veteran’s benefits are exhausted, the Veterans Scholarship will support veterans and current military during their matriculation at DeSales.
Supporting our DeSales Bulldogs
Supporting athletics at DeSales University helps provide funding for our 20 NCAA Division III athletic programs through travel, equipment, facilities, recruiting, technology, and training. When you donate, you help to create opportunities and improve resources for our student-athletes.
Make your gift today to the DeSales University Athletic Endowment, or to one of our teams, and you’ll fortify the legacy of DSU Athletics by supporting our Bulldogs for years to come.
Ways to Give
Athletic Endowment
The Athletic Endowment is crucial to the operation and success of 20 varsity sports and provides funds for special projects and programs that impact each one of our teams. From hiring a department-wide Sports Psychologist to offering professional development opportunities for our coaches to purchasing uniforms and additional equipment for our athletes, the Endowment enhances the student-athlete experience while providing coaches with the necessary funds to run programs and recruit at a championship level.
Compardo Classic Golf Tournament
Named for the University’s beloved first athletic director, the late Coach John Compardo, this annual outing in August benefits the Athletic Endowment, which strengthens our teams and our student-athletes’ experiences.
Support a Team
A contribution to one of our 20 NCAA Division III athletic programs directly impacts our student-athletes and the success of their teams. Whether you’re an alumni athlete or a DSU fan, you can cheer on our Bulldogs with a gift directed to your favorite sport.
For more information contact:
Daniel Villanti ’09
Executive Director of Alumni Relations & Annual Giving
Daniel.Villanti@desales.edu
Carrie Gradin
Director of Annual Giving
Carrie.Gradin@desales.edu
Who We Are
Women for DeSales is a philanthropic giving circle of special interest to women with a passion for higher education and a love for the DeSales University community. Launched in 2016, this group seeks to fund innovative programming and projects at DeSales University that typically exceed or do not fall under department or student organization budgets. In our last fundraising year, this group of donors collectively distributed more than $65,000 to departments, clubs, and student groups.
Comprised of outstanding women in the DeSales family (alumni, parents, family members, faculty, staff, friends, community), each member individually commits to $1,000 or more to the fund annually.
The Joy
Women for DeSales creates an opportunity to see the effects of your philanthropy realized in direct collaboration with other women and university figures. Two meetings are held each funding year:
Winter Distribution Lunch: Early in the year, Women for DeSales hears proposals from the students, faculty, and staff requesting funds for innovative projects and unique programming. Our members directly choose which projects receive their funding, supporting causes that are meaningful to them.
Fall Impact Event: The group reconvenes later in the year to reflect upon the impact of successfully funded projects and hear stories of triumph from students and faculty. The funding recipients share their gratitude and present how they utilized the funds.
Women for DeSales began its first funding year in the 2016-2017 fiscal year with thirteen founding members. The group continues to grow each year as more individuals learn and understand the wonderful work of the group. Each of the founding members has renewed her membership. In fact, because of their experiences, many have brought new members into the group. Last year, the group consisted of 65 members of varying backgrounds with a shared passion for philanthropy.
Make A Difference
Women for DeSales is proud to have funded a variety of projects across many of the University’s disciplines over the years. Awards may range from $500 to $7,500.
Examples of previously funded projects:
- 3D Printed Prosthetic Program
- International Dance Training
- Academic Clinical Excellence Program for Healthcare Students
- Sport Management Book Lending Library
- Career Development Center’s Annual Etiquette Dinner
- Travel Grants for the Center for Service and Social Justice
- Performing Arts Annual Showcase
- English Department’s Annual Poetry Festival
- “Stop the Bleed” Student Instructor Training & Community Outreach
- Conference fees for students to attend the Pennsylvania Conference for Women
- Professional Development for Graduate Assistant Coaches
- Academic Resource Center’s Textbook Lending Library
- Undergraduate Research in the DeSales University Natural Science Department Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program
- DeSales University Care Grants
Monthly payment plans are available to make your commitment more convenient for you:
- 10 Months - $100.00 Monthly Gift
- 8 Months - $125.00 Monthly Gift
- 5 Months - $200.00 Monthly Gift
- 4 Months - $250.00 Monthly Gift
- 2 Months - $500.00 Monthly Gift
We ask that commitments for participation for the 2024-2025 funding year are provided by December 31, 2024 with full gift of $1,000 completed by June 30, 2025.
For Women for DeSales Campus Partners and Applicants:
- Proposals for the 2024-2025 funding cycle will open in October 2024 and will be due December 16, 2024.
For more information or to participate please contact:
Carrie Gradin
Director of Annual Giving
Carrie.Gradin@desales.edu
Megan Diehl '07
Director of Advancement Communications & Donor Relations
610.282.1100, x1694
Become a Member of the 1965 Society
In the spirit of our founding in 1965 and the generation of support that established Allentown College of St. Francis DeSales, we are delighted to introduce the 1965 Society. The 1965 Society celebrates our most dedicated alumni, parents, and friends.
By investing annually in DeSales University at a leadership level, you demonstrate your commitment to our mission and inspire others to do the same.
- 1965 Society Members make cumulative gifts of $1,965 or more within a single fiscal year (July 1 - June 30).
- This total amount could be an accumulation of gifts to any University priority throughout the fiscal year. This total may also include matching gifts.
1965 Society Members will enjoy:
- A Welcoming Experience – We are genuinely enthusiastic to welcome you to the 1965 Society and look forward to learning your DeSales stories and partnering to enhance the DeSales student experience.
- Informative Gatherings – The 1965 Society will be introducing a series of networking opportunities, many involving University leadership.
- Communication and Special Events – Regular communication from University leaders to enhance your overall experience as well as invitations to special events, including an annual donor recognition event.
- Personalized Engagement Opportunities –We will explore your passion and encourage you to partner in areas where you are most interested and have expertise.
To learn more about the 1965 Society, please call the Institutional Advancement Office at 610-282-1100, ext. 1364.
Arts Angels
The DeSales Arts Angels is an endowment fund to support the activities of the Division of Performing Arts at DeSales University. Since its inception, the theatre program at DeSales University has brought joy to the hundreds of thousands who have attended the performances. Today, the theatre major at DeSales University is recognized as one of the top programs in the country. Funds are used for guest artist support for faculty of theatre, dance, and TV/film, and special equipment needs of the division.
Thank You
Thanks to the generosity of the DeSales Arts Angels, a large number of our students are able to complete their degrees and move on to pursue their dreams as creative artists, performers, and educators. Here are the many ways the Arts Angels Fund aided our Division of Performing Arts this past year:
- New cameras for our TV/Film Majors.
- A brand new dance floor in the Brisson Dance Studio.
- New lighting and sound equipment for our Design/Tech majors.
- Two new pianos for voice students, as well as one new orchestra pit piano for our musicals.
- A total make-over in the Schubert Theatre with brand new seating and a refurbished HVAC system.
- We were also able to host some exciting masterclasses taught by some of the finest professionals in the theatre, dance, and television/film worlds.
We are traveling to where we have never gone before—streaming our productions online. We invite you to witness your support in action in the work of our developing artists.
Labuda Renovation Fund
The Labuda Renovation Fund supports capital improvements for the Labuda Center for Performing Arts. Now in its 40th Season, the Labuda Center venue is home to DSU’s Theatre, Dance, and TV/Film departments. Built in 1981, the Labuda Center and its theatre spaces have exceeded all expectations. However, due to its heavy production schedule, the facility is wearing at a rapid pace and its limitations are becoming more apparent.
Some of the repairs and upgrades needed are:
- Mainstage lobby bathrooms
- Energy efficient lighting throughout the building, especially performance spaces
- Brand New LED TV/Film Studio
- Costume shop renovations
- Redesigning spaces for better efficiency and student outcomes
- New sound equipment for Dance, Theatre, and TV/Film Majors
You Can Give By:
Gift by Mail
Please send your check (made payable to "DeSales University") to:
DeSales University
Institutional Advancement Office
2755 Station Avenue
Center Valley, PA 18034-9568
Gift by Phone
Please call the Institutional Advancement Office:
610-282-1100 ext. 1364
Gift Online
Gifts In-Kind Donations
Gifts of equipment and items enhance the work of various departments, as well as the student experience at DeSales. If you, or the company you work for, has equipment they no longer use that you think we may have a use for, please contact:
Daniel Villanti
Director of Alumni Relations
Daniel.Villanti@desales.edu
610-282-1100 x2112