Brandywine Ball raises nearly $44,000 for global programs and scholarships

MEDIA, Pa. — Penn State Brandywine welcomed alumni and friends back to campus for the 2024 Brandywine Ball on May 11. The ball raised $43,903.74 for Brandywine Global Programs and various scholarships.

During the program, Chancellor Marilyn J. Wells shared how crucial the 2024 Brandywine Ball is for students, as the proceeds will go toward scholarships and study abroad opportunities.

“Our vision is laser-focused on student success, and creating affordability is vital to educating our bright minds filled with hopes and dreams in their college journeys," said Wells.

“Another beneficiary of tonight’s proceeds is Global Programs. Since its inception in 1997 at Brandywine, we have supported over 1,600 students to take advantage of education abroad programs, traveling to destinations like England, Spain, France, Portugal, Ireland, Czech Republic and more. As demand and interest increase, access is becoming increasingly challenging to maintain. We hope to continue to provide this pivotal resource to our students and tonight will help advance just that.”

Meaghan Daly — a 2016 Penn State graduate, Brandywine Advisory Board member and former president of the Brandywine Alumni Society — received the 2024 Lion’s Heart Young Alumni Award, which recognizes a graduate of Penn State who completed their degree within the last 15 years and attended Brandywine for one semester or more. It honors their outstanding professional achievement, dedication to community service and impact within the Penn State community.

The Delaware Valley Christian Church and the Rotary Club of Media received the 2024 Lion’s Heart Brandywine Champion Award, which pays tribute to non-alumni individuals or organizations who have demonstrated outstanding support and commitment to the Brandywine campus community.

Chris Bradley, a 2015 Penn State graduate and Brandywine Advisory Board member, was awarded the 2024 Lion’s Heart Distinguished Alumni Service Award, which recognizes an individual who has exhibited exceptional dedication and service to the Brandywine community.

Marcine Pickron-Davis, a 1982 Penn State graduate, was awarded the 2024 Lion’s Heart Outstanding Achievement Award, which acknowledges an alumnus or friend of Brandywine who has attained notable success in their chosen field or has made significant contributions to their community. Pickron-Davis, who also spoke at the ball, noted how honored she was to receive the award and that she didn’t receive it on her own.

“Today’s celebration is one that I will cherish for a lifetime. This award is a humbling experience for me. It reminds me of an African proverb — I am because we are — meaning that one’s self-identity is never separate from one’s family, community and environment. I recognize that my accomplishments cannot exclusively be my own,” Pickron-Davis said. “It is my responsibility to continue striving for excellence, to never stop learning and growing, and to use my platform to make a positive impact in the world. One of my favorite taglines from Maya Angelou is, ‘I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.’”

Guests were also invited to participate in a silent auction, which featured Penn State football tickets, behind-the-scenes access to Philadelphia Eagles and Flyers games, Philadelphia Phillies tickets, baskets that represent countries where students have studied abroad and more.

Support raised through the Brandywine Ball advances the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients, and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.