Wilkes University has received a $2 million gift to support its School of Education. The gift, given by local physician and philanthropist Dr. Richard Abbas Alley, will be used to support the University’s mission of providing transformative educational experiences for undergraduate and graduate students in the study of education.
The School of Education will be renamed the Dr. Richard Abbas Alley School of Education at a dedication ceremony this summer.
“Wilkes University is incredibly grateful to Dr. Alley for his generosity and support of our School of Education, which will now bear his name,” said University President Greg Cant. “This investment in the future of education is a testament to not only Dr. Alley’s passion for learning and investment in our community, but a furthering of our goal to nurture well-prepared and successful lifelong learners.”
Dr. Alley built a career in medicine, providing exceptional care to patients in northeastern Pennsylvania for decades. In that time, he built lifelong relationships with not only those close to home, but many around the world through his service.
“It is my hope that this gift will provide students of today with the tools and skills needed to become the classroom leaders of tomorrow,” said Dr. Alley, noting that this gift would not have been possible without the thirst for knowledge, care, connection and experiences made possible by his parents, Abbas and Maliha Alley. The couple, of Syrian descent, followed their dreams of a better life to Berwick, Pennsylvania, where they inspired their children through a tireless work ethic and belief in education. Dr. Richard Alley and his siblings — Ali, Amin, Samie, Elaine and Albert — all built successful careers and became pillars of their communities.
The College of Health and Education’s Dean Deborah Zbegner said the gift provides opportunities for resources that enhance teaching and learning strategies across all programs. “Our faculty and staff are grateful for Dr. Alley’s support of future educators,” said Zbegner. “Dr. Alley’s investment in the School of Education ensures our future as we address the teacher shortage by creating qualified educators who can enter the workforce through a variety of innovative pathways.”
The School of Education offers bachelor’s degree programs in elementary and early childhood education, middle level education, secondary education and special education. It also offers 12 online master’s degree programs, a doctorate of education program, seven certificates and four letters of endorsement approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and designed to meet its competencies. More than 17,000 educators from more than 27 countries have chosen Wilkes to advance their studies in the field of education.