The annual President’s Donor Reception was held on Wednesday, September 27, at GreatHorse during an evening full of celebration and gratitude. Alumni, families, friends, faculty, and staff were recognized for their loyal and generous support of Western New England University. As the sun set overlooking the rolling hills of the Pioneer Valley, Western New England University President Robert E. Johnson welcomed guests and expressed his appreciation for their philanthropic support. Appreciation was truly the theme of the evening and was shared repeatedly by the students who have benefited from scholarships made possible by the generosity of the WNE community. With over 100 Golden Bear supporters present, Dr. Johnson took this opportunity to thank them all for their kindness, as they have, “time and time again, demonstrated their commitment to the values and missions of WNE.”

A tradition of the President’s Donor Reception is the presentation of the Benefactors’ Award. This year, Dianne F. Doherty G’81 and, in memory, Paul Spence Doherty, Esq. were formally inducted into the Benefactors’ Society. Paul, who served as a trustee from 1973-1986, and later Dianne, who joined the board in 2018, have been long-standing friends and supporters of the University. In 2007, Dianne and Paul established the Doherty Family Endowed Scholarship, which supports students from the counties of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin, in Massachusetts. Learn more and view photos at alumni.wne.edu/news.