A new $20,000 endowed award has been established at Penn State Wilkes-Barre in memory of a northeastern Pennsylvania man who was killed in action in Afghanistan. Family and friends of Pittston, Pennsylvania, native Jeffrey F. DePrimo created the 1st Lt Jeffrey F. DePrimo Military Award to support military students at Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
The first military program fund at Penn State Wilkes-Barre has been created through a gift from alumnus and advisory board member Jim Regan and his wife, Barbara. Their $25,000 gift will provide vital funding for enriching experiences for military and veteran students at the campus.
Penn State alumni and longtime supporters Ed and Judy Lucy, who previously committed an estate gift and an annual award to support Penn State Wilkes-Barre, have continued their commitment by the creation of the Samuel J. and Ruth Valick Family Scholarship with a gift of $50,000. The scholarship will give preference to students who have served or are serving in the United States military and who are majoring or plan to major in criminal justice.
Penn State Wilkes-Barre students gathered to honor military veterans with two special events, one to raise awareness of issues veterans may face and one to break ground for a special veterans’ memorial on campus.
The Veterans Support Club at Penn State Wilkes-Barre is dedicated to supporting veterans and raising awareness of their service. As president of the club and a Marine Corps veteran, Robert Mastropole is leading the charge to install a permanent memorial on campus. The memorial will pay homage to the millions of men and women who have served the United States: past, present and future.
