The East Stroudsburg University Foundation hosted its 16th Annual Scholarship Dinner, SPOTLIGHT, on April 2, 2025, at Terraview at Stroudsmoor Country Inn in Stroudsburg, Pa. Presented by the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union, the event brought together more than 300 guests, including donors, students, and alumni, to celebrate the life-changing impact of scholarships.
In the 2023-24 fiscal year, the ESU Foundation awarded 778 scholarships totaling $1,218,493.79 and raised $5.6 million in gifts and pledges.
“It is powerful and inspiring to witness students sharing their goals and gratitude with alumni and friends who are helping to make their dreams a reality,” said Rich Santoro, executive director of the ESU Foundation. “Relationships started tonight will certainly be cherished. It is our honor to shine the spotlight on the impact you have on each other.”
The evening featured a panel discussion with scholarship recipients and their donors, who shared personal stories of giving, receiving, and overcoming challenges. They discussed how their ESU education helped launch their professional careers.
Participants in the program included Kovii LaBar, a junior majoring in art and design with a fine art concentration and psychology from Bangor, Pa., and Leslie Wilson ’74, a philanthropist who has devoted her life and career to advocating for disability inclusion and fostering workplace diversity. LaBar is the recipient of the Leslie Wilson Annual Scholarship established by Wilson.
Ayah Ibrahim, a transfer student from Temple University and a senior majoring in psychology with minors in political science and sport and exercise psychology, shared her passion for education and advocacy. Ibrahim, who is from Saylorsburg, Pa., is the recipient of the Hodge Family Endowed Scholarship.
Jay Kule, a counselor at East Stroudsburg High School – South, said his passion for education has led to longstanding connections with graduates who continue to inspire him with their life stories. He feels there is nothing more rewarding than helping young people connect with their passion and find their purpose in life. Kule established the Jay D. Kule Men’s Basketball Annual Scholarship, Jay D. Kule Football Annual Scholarship, and the Kule/Griffin Family Great Educators Memorial Endowment Scholarship.
ESU alumnus Eric Wyatt ’85, the master of ceremonies, reflected on his time at ESU and shared his professional journey since graduating. Wyatt established two scholarships with his wife Bonnie, the Eric Wyatt ’85 and Bonita ’86 Wyatt Annual Scholarship and the Eric Wyatt ’85 and Bonita ’86 Wyatt Endowed Scholarship. The program also included a musical theater performance from ESU student Bella Smith.
PSECU, the event’s lead sponsor, generously supported the occasion, making the evening possible. Stroudsmoor Country Inn served as a Silver Sponsor, contributing to the success of the event and providing a beautiful venue for the celebration. Law Sound & Lighting, a Bronze Sponsor, played a key role in enhancing the atmosphere with expert audio-visual services. The combined support of these sponsors helped create a memorable experience for all attendees.
To view the full list of scholarships awarded in 2023-24 and their recipients, visit https://www.esufoundation.org/spotlight.