A bold new era of innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning is coming to Commonwealth University-Lock Haven thanks to a transformational $1.75 million gift from alumnus and entrepreneur Nicholas Subich '17 - one of the largest gifts in the 59-year history of the Lock Haven University Foundation.
More than 100 donors and scholarship recipients gathered on April 12 for the Lock Haven University Foundation's (LHUF) annual James C. Reeser Scholarship Brunch, held in the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center (DACC). The event served as a celebration of philanthropy in action - bringing together those who give with those whose lives are transformed through scholarship support at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven.
Thanks to a transformative, six-figure, immediate-use leadership gift to the Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF) from Dr. George ’61 and Shirley Durrwachter, the Zimmerli Cardio Room is being reimagined — transformed into a modern, high-impact environment that reflects the technology of today’s health, fitness and rehabilitation fields.
For the Durrwachters, the investment is both deeply personal and profoundly purposeful — honoring their lifelong belief that education and health are two of the most powerful investments a person can make, fostering meaningful impact on Lock Haven students, enriching the campus community, and inspiring others to give back.
When Glen Allison ‘94 reflects on his time at Lock Haven, his memories aren't just about podium finishes or championship medals - they are about people, family and the moments that shaped him into the man he is today.
Now, through a recent gift to the Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF) for the Glen Allison Track & Field Scholarship, Allison is aiming to ensure today's Bald Eagle cross country and track and field student-athletes have access to the same life-changing opportunities that helped define his own journey.
When Elizabeth "Betsy" (Persun) Miller graduated from Lock Haven State College in 1973, she left with more than just a bachelor's degree in English. She carried with her a deep sense of confidence, lifelong friendships and an enduring appreciation for the education she received at a state-funded university. Now, more than 50 years later, she is giving back to the place that helped shape her life by establishing the Elizabeth Persun Miller '73, Rodney Miller and Allison Miller Scholarship at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven.
In 2020, Dan Cruttenden ‘73 established the Linda Repp Cruttenden ‘71 Scholarship through the Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF). Since then, the scholarship has provided $1,000 annually to a student-athlete on the women’s basketball team who embodies leadership on and off the court. Recently, Dan and Linda decided to take their commitment one step further, pledging a major estate gift to ensure their scholarship, and its impact on young women, will be endowed in perpetuity.
With enthusiastic support from alumni, friends, and generous donors, the Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF) is proud to announce that more than $2.8 million in new gifts and pledges were generated during the 2024-25 fiscal year, which concluded on June 30. The fundraising success continues to fuel opportunity and transform students' lives at Commonwealth University (CU)-Lock Haven.
Stan Allen ‘87, a first-generation college graduate, came to Lock Haven from Virginia Beach, earning Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference football honors and eventually being inducted into the Lock Haven Football Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame. Though his team managed just eight wins across four seasons, the experience helped shape his competitive mindset and his lifelong commitment to giving back.
For more than three decades, Jim Berkebile ‘59 has been one of the brightest flames in Lock Haven's alumni community - a passionate advocate for students, a philanthropist and a dedicated board member who has helped shape both the physical and philanthropic landscape of the university he loves.
Now, with the establishment of the Jim Berkebile ‘59 Science Scholarship , he's taking his support to a new level - one that speaks to his roots in science education and his lifelong commitment to helping others succeed.
Professor Emerita Paula “Sandy” Bell broke barriers in tech and higher ed long before it was common—but a single moment of connection inspired her to pioneer something new: the future of women's wrestling at The Haven.
Now, through a powerful, new scholarship, Sandy is helping the next generation of women rise—on the mat and beyond.
Rodger Cook '67 never sought the spotlight—but his quiet leadership, championship legacy, and lifelong love of Lock Haven wrestling left a lasting impact. Now, through the Rodger Cook ’67 Memorial Wrestling Scholarship, his influence lives on—empowering the next generation of Bald Eagles to lead with integrity, on and off the mat.
When Mike Nauman '80 arrived at Lock Haven State College (now Commonwealth University-Lock Haven) in 1976, he was a small-town kid with no expectations - just a passion for wrestling and a willingness to work hard. Nearly five decades later, Nauman is proudly supporting the next generations of Bald Eagle wrestlers through a recent endowed gift to the Lock Haven University Foundation to establish the Mike Nauman '80 Men's Wrestling Scholarship.
