12 TOWER | FALL 2024 The clashing of shoulder pads and crescendos of the marching band aren’t usually met with the chirping of birds or blooming of flowers—but on April 20, the Kutztown University Foundation hosted a Maroon & Gold Tailgate, where several donors had the opportunity to meet the studentathletes who receive the scholarships they fund. (Cont. on next page) Donor-Student huddle at the Maroon & Gold Tailgate CELEBRATING THE WINS Kutztown University students Brooklynne Smith ’27 and Hailey Stumpo ’27 are passionate about art. Smith is a communication design major, and Stumpo is a studio art major with a minor in psychology and art history. Although the first-year students are on different tracks within the arts, a Kutztown University Foundation scholarship permitted their paths to cross. Smith and Stumpo are the recipients of the Sandra Corpora ’69 Presidential Scholarship for Art Studies supported by Sandra L. Corpora ’69, ’23 D.P.S. and Placido A. Corpora ’23 D.P.S. Sandy and Pat Corpora are loyal and generous supporters of Kutztown University who fund several scholarships and emergency funds that have impacted countless students throughout the years. This academic year, the Kutztown University Foundation brings donors, scholarship recipients together Sandra Corpora ’69 Presidential Scholarship for Art Studies has been particularly significant. During the 2023 fall semester, Corpora and recipients Smith and Stumpo were able to meet on campus and get to know each other. A meeting that started with simple questions and introductions led to exciting plans for the following semester. Corpora invited the students to her art studio in Bethlehem, Pa., to tour the studio and paint together. The students visited the studio in March and were immersed in Sandy’s art, learning the stories and creative process behind the many paintings. Brook and Hailey even brought portfolios of their own artwork to share with Sandy. Afterward, the three sat down behind blank canvases, where Sandy led a guided tutorial on oil painting –a special moment for the scholarship recipients and their scholarship donor. “Being in the physical presence of paintings that I recognized from Mrs. Corpora’s website and social media pages was a staggering experience. Also, seeing decades worth of amazing artwork collected into one room was really mesmerizing. Mrs. Corpora’s talent and success are truly inspiring to a young artist like me,” Stumpo said. Painting bright futures Corpora has always felt connected to students of the arts because of her own background and experience. She has been happy to support students at the beginning of their journey. “It means a great deal to me to have the opportunity to get to know the students who receive our scholarship. I think we got to know each other through their visit to my studio and especially being able to paint together,” Corpora said. Both Smith and Stumpo have expressed their appreciation to the Corporas and their unwavering support of this scholarship. “Receiving a scholarship for the work I’ve spent so much time and energy on is truly one of the most touching things. To know someone appreciates and understands my work is even more of a reason to keep pursuing my goals,” Smith said. This interactive experience shows how KU supporters go above and beyond to make the student experience memorable and meaningful, opening doors for personal connection and professional growth. The Corporas are a true testament of going above and beyond to assist students even after graduation. “I enjoy following our scholarship recipients and seeing their many accomplishments and life choices. My hope is to make their path easier,” Corpora said. Thank you to Sandy and Pat for their support. They continue to show what it means to be Golden! KU FOUNDATION
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