University receives largest cash gift ever
WEST CHESTER >> As a huge boost to the West Chester University music program, a pair of brothers have given the university its largest cash gift ever.
President Christopher Fiorentino said an endowment established by James R. Wells ‘54 and Richard G. Wells ‘58 is a “game changer.” Both men majored in music education as undergraduates at WCU.
A formal announcement was made Thursday night at a performance of the Wind Ensemble and Wind Symphony concert at Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall; the School of Music will now be known as the Wells School Music.
The gift will fund scholarships, graduate assistantship programs, travel for music ensembles, stateof-the art marching band equipment and music education programming.”
Fiorentino said with a smile that he attends football games for the halftime show and the donation will go “on and on” into the future.
“It will help us send a message that this is a place worth investing in and we hope this will support others to support the great programs here,” Fiorentino said.
Richard Wells taught at Owen J. Roberts High School and for almost three decades was the director of bands at Kutztown University. He was pleased to revisit WCU. The brothers are married to sisters. Richard Wells is married to Elizabeth J. (Noble) Wells ‘60.
“This is a place where I had wonderful times, met friendly people and was educated for my music career,” the trumpeter said. “I want to give the students of today some help in developing their careers whether it’s for a music career or another profession.”
James Wells directed the WCU marching band. He is married to Joanne (Noble) Wells ‘55.
“To promote music and music education, West Chester University School of Music must continue to attract the most talented candidates, offer much-needed scholarships and secure national recognition as a preeminent music education school,” he said. “It is our intent to foster these ideals and strengthen the school as a fertile training ground for the persevering musicians of today and tomorrow.”
Chris Hanning is dean of the School of Music. He said that the WCU program is incomparable.
“We continue to expand our national and international reach by attracting incredible faculty and students, and have enjoyed unprecedented support for our administration,” Hanning said. “Your gift will allow us to continue to strive to be incomparable in everything we do.
“Teaching our students the value of approaching each day with a goal of being incomparable is a powerful tool.”
In 1982 they established Festivals of Music, a school band clinic/conference, as well as World Travel, Inc. in 1983, to facilitate travel to national and international festivals. The company specializes in corporate travel and is the fourth largest independent travel company in the U.S.
The Wells School of Music hosts superior performance and practice venues, including 22 new Steinways, a Skinner organ, tech lab, Roland piano and more, according to a release issued by the university. “Students study with renowned faculty who have dual careers as dedicated educators and professional musicians.”
Performance degrees include bachelor of music in performance, as well as a master of music in performance.