Dean’s legacy honored at dinner
Bechtel-Wherry retires after 35 years at Altoona campus
Trending
A $1.3 million donation was made to Penn State Altoona in honor of longtime professor, Chancellor and Dean Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry during an event celebrating her legacy and retirement Wednesday evening at The Casino at Lakemont.
The total donation includes $1 million given by Rosalind Sky on behalf of her family, who said they were blessed to be able to do so. Another $300,000 was donated by event attendees.
"As my beloved husband, Phil, said, 'there are a lot of great causes out there but the bottom line is that people give to people,'" Sky said. "Hence, that is why my family wishes to give to Penn State in honor of Lori Bechtel. To change the world we live in one act at a time and Lori Bechtel, you certainly have become one great act to follow."
The private event hosted by the Devorris, Hite and Sheetz families put Bechtel-Wherry's 35 years at the Altoona campus in the spotlight, with many describing her as a wonderful, intelligent and caring person that will be hard to replace.
Morley and Carol Cohn agreed that Bechtel-Wherry was always a pleasure to be around.
"She throws the best Halloween parties I've ever been to," Morley said, laughing.
PSU Altoona Director of Development and Alumni Relations Mary Ann Amato frequently worked with Bechtel-Wherry on fundraising endeavors. While sad to see Bechtel-Wherry go, Amato said that she's happy that she's able to retire after "a wonderful time at Penn State."
"She has a huge heart and wants to help anyone in any way she can," Amato said of Bechtel-Wherry.
Michael Irwin served on Penn State Altoona's advisory board with Bechtel-Wherry and described her as the "absolute best" the campus has ever had.
"PSU has been lucky to have her for so long," Irwin said.
Gail Irwin echoed these sentiments, saying that Bechtel-Wherry "is a very outgoing person that made you feel welcome whether you knew her or not."
"We hope she enjoys Arizona but hope she spends more time in Pennsylvania than Arizona," Gail said.
The event saw several speakers such as local businessman Phil Devorris, Senior Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership Donna Bon, Bechtel-Wherry's husband Tim Wherry, her daughter Andrea Mozzochi and Altoona Mayor Matt Pacifico.
During his speech, Pacifico presented Bechtel-Wherry with a golden railroad spike key to the city.
"It's been a great privilege to have worked in higher education for nearly 40 years with 37 of those years at Penn State Altoona -- the best years -- and 18 years as chancellor and dean," Bechtel-Wherry said. "I'm very thankful for the many wonderful colleagues and friends and people in this community with those who I have worked and served."
While Bechtel-Wherry said that it had been a little overwhelming to hear everyone speak and think about her life "without the academy," she was also happy.
She also credited her parents and her upbringing in the Cove.
"Many of you have asked how I'm feeling as I approach this milestone and tonight I went from laughter and happiness to tears -- all kinds of emotions, that's what I feel," Bechtel-Wherry said. "But I feel good about my work in higher education."
Mirror Staff Writer Rachel Foor is at 814-946-7458.