Faith Integrity Diligence Excellence Service
Winter 2023 Vol . 85 , No . 2
The Williamsonian
Entered as Periodical at Post Office , Media , Pa .
A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF WILLIAMSON COLLEGE OF THE TRADES
Wesley Inspires Class of ’ 22 at 129th Commencement
Joseph L . Wesley , the benefactor who donated $ 21.5 million for the construction of the Joseph L . and Marion M . Wesley Student Center and bleachers , was the keynote speaker at Williamson ’ s 129th Commencement on June 3 . He asked President Michael Rounds to read his speech for him because he felt overwhelming emotion thinking of his life and his love of Williamson . Rounds agreed , saying he wasn ’ t sure if he could control his emotions either as he read it .
In the speech , addressing the graduating seniors of the Class of 2W2 , Rounds , with Wesley , and his wife Marion standing by him , read , “ America is not great because of politicians , movie stars , or professional athletes , America is great and will continue to be great because of people like you .
“ Education and character are the true backbone of patriots and you have both . Each of you has made himself into the best kind of man – a man of character . Now , more than ever , America needs men like you . Your family , friends , and communities need men like you .
“ You have what it takes to be successful . You have successfully taken on every challenge Williamson has presented . You have what it takes to be leaders . All of us are so proud of you today and we will continue to be proud as we follow your successes through the years .”
Held on a stage on the Betty and Russell 5W0 Harvey Athletic Field , the event had an in-person audience of Continued on page 3
William and Judith Strine , along with President Michael Rounds , cut the ribbon officially opening Strine Dormitory .
Hassel-Finnegan Joins Board
Heather Hassel-Finnegan
Heather Hassel-Finnegan , the president and CEO of The Community ’ s Foundation ( TCF ), was named the first female member of Williamson ’ s board of trustees , announced William Bonenberger 7W9 , board chairman .
Bonenberger said , “ I cannot tell you how excited the entire board is to have Heather join our ranks . Heather was chosen because she was the best and most experienced candidate available from a field of very talented prospective candidates . She is the president and CEO of a nonprofit , The Community ’ s Foundation , that provides scholarships to worthy students and has a mission very similar to Williamson ’ s .
Continued on page 6
Joseph and Marion Wesley stand by President Michael Rounds as he speaks at the 129th Commencement . Dr . Michelle Williams is seated .
Strine Dormitory Allows For Largest Freshman Class
The recently constructed Judith A . and William B . Strine Dormitory , Williamson ’ s first new dorm in five years , officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Aug . 19 .
Offering rooms for 24 students , the dorm has allowed for the largest freshman class in school history . The Class of 2W5 has 124 freshmen beginning their 3-year Williamson journey .
The dorm was made possible because of the very generous gift of $ 2.3 million from Judy and Bill Strine .
Strine , a member of the board of trustees , said he and his wife decided
Hatch ’ 08 Named Board Vice Chair
Kevin J . Hatch 0W8 , manager of reliability engineering at PJM Interconnections and member of Williamson ’ s board of trustees , has been named board vice chairman , announced William J . Bonenberger .
Bonenberger said , “ Kevin Hatch is a demonstrated leader ! From his days when he was a student on campus , to his continued involvement and leadership with Williamson after graduating , and most recently to his involvement as a trustee , Kevin has always dedicated himself to rising to the top and giving as much back to Williamson as he possibly can . That same drive is what has helped him rise through the ranks with his
Continued on page 6 they wanted to help the school that helped them and their family . Bill Strine ’ s father , Walter Strine 2W9 , studied masonry at Williamson and went on to found the Media Real Estate Co . and make it a successful company . When Walter retired , Bill took over the company as CEO and has been furthering its success .
Bill said , “ My family is the direct beneficiary of a Williamson graduate . My father was able to have a successful career because of his Williamson education and my family is a beneficiary of Continued on page 7
Kevin Hatch 0W8