Walsh University’s DeVille School of Business hosted its 55th Annual Business Club Scholarship Luncheon on April 10, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, and local business leaders at the Barrette Business and Community Center. The event awarded 34 business scholarships and included a keynote address by Thomas B. McGowan IV, President and CEO of The McGowan Companies.
The luncheon aims to recognize student achievement while strengthening ties between Walsh students and the broader business community. This year’s event raised $17,000 for scholarships presented to Allison Eby, Johnpaul Villarreal, and Logan Skidmore. Lead sponsor Huntington Bank supported the luncheon along with Aultcare, AWP Safety, Raymond James, United Way of Stark and Carroll Counties, and Veritas.
During his keynote speech titled “The Value of Truth & Purpose to Catholic Business People,” McGowan reflected on integrity in business leadership before announcing a $100,000 pledge to support future university endeavors. Each scholarship recipient also received Congressional Certificates of Recognition from Congresswoman Emilia Sykes in honor of their achievements.
“Each year, the Business Club Scholarship Luncheon highlights the direct investment our partners make in our students’ futures,” said Dr. Marc Fusaro, Dean of the DeVille School of Business. “We are deeply grateful for Mr. McGowan’s extraordinary generosity and for the continued support from our sponsors who make these scholarships possible.”
Business Club President Antonio Paganelli said: “Our members take great pride in organizing this luncheon, which allows us to give back to our classmates and connect with professionals who believe in our mission… We’re especially thankful for the guidance of our faculty advisor Amanda Dalpiaz whose mentorship helps us bridge classroom learning with real-world experiences.”
Walsh University is recognized as a community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth according to its official website. The university maintains a 143-acre campus featuring modern facilities per its official website, was founded under the affiliation of the Brothers of Christian Instruction according to its official website, offers more than 70 undergraduate majors along with seven graduate programs per its official website, focuses on preparing students for leadership roles through service and ethical development according to its official website, and provides academic offerings including arts, sciences, business, nursing education and health sciences as noted on its official website.
The annual scholarship luncheon has become a signature tradition at Walsh University since it began in the 1960s—honoring both academic achievement in business education as well as collaboration within the wider community.
