Dean, Professor Establish Scholarship for Marketing Students

Two marketing professionals and longtime Pennsylvania College of Technology faculty members have established a scholarship to benefit students majoring or minoring in marketing at the college.

The Luke-Moff Marketing Scholarship was initiated by Gerri F. Luke, dean of the School of Business & Hospitality at Penn College, and Steven J. Moff, professor of business administration: management and marketing. Primary preference for the scholarship is given to full-time students who maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA and are pursuing a major in business administration: marketing concentration or a minor in marketing.

Prior to being named dean, Luke was a professor of business administration: management and marketing at Penn College for more than a decade.

“Teaching is all about touching the lives of students. Over the years, I’ve seen that contact be beneficial,” Luke said. “As I move away from teaching, I want to maintain the ability to touch students’ lives into the future.”

Moff has been part of the Penn College faculty for 18 years.

“I’ve benefited greatly from being a professor, and I love working with the students, helping them grow and mature and learn,” Moff said. “This is one way we can give back and keep giving back after we’re gone.”

To help support the scholarship fund, Luke and Moff invited graduates and friends of the marketing major to campus, and many chose to support the effort by making personal gifts. The goal is to endow the scholarship so that it will become a permanent source of financial aid for marketing students.

“It was really fun to see all the students – some of whom I hadn’t seen for 10 years – and see them as professionals, working, and meet their spouses and significant others, and to think that we helped them get where they are today,” Moff said.

Gwendolyn A. Lavelle, a sophomore pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration: marketing concentration, was recently named the first recipient of the scholarship. She resides in Pocono Summit.

“Gerri and Steve have dedicated their careers to changing the lives of the students they serve every day,” said Valerie L. Fessler, director of annual giving. “Countless graduates attribute their success in business and industry and in life to the lessons learned from Gerri and Steve as Penn College students. I am thrilled that their legacy will live on in perpetuity through this scholarship.”

Those interested in contributing to the fund for the Luke-Moff Marketing Scholarship – or in establishing their own scholarship – may send a donation to the Penn College Foundation, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701; give online; or call the Institutional Advancement Office toll-free at 866-GIVE-2-PC (866-448-3272).

Students who wish to apply for any of the more than 200 scholarships administered by the Penn College Foundation should complete the scholarship application.

To learn more about business majors at Penn College, call 570-327-4505.

For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education and workforce development, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.