Administrators, faculty, staff and students, as well as members of the surrounding community, recently gathered to celebrate the dedication of the Dr. Richard Abbas Alley School of Education at Wilkes University.
Alley, local physician, philanthropist and humanitarian, built a career providing exceptional care to patients in northeastern Pennsylvania for decades. He also shared his talents for healing on mission trips around the globe.
His lifelong thirst for knowledge, care, connection and experiences was made possible by his parents, Abbas and Maliha Alley. The couple followed their dreams of a better life to Berwick, Pennsylvania, where they inspired their six children through a tireless work ethic and belief in education.
Alley’s commitment to education inspired his $2 million gift and the naming of the School of Education in his honor. The funds will support Wilkes University’s mission to provide transformative educational experiences for undergraduate and graduate students in the study of education.
The dedication ceremony, held in the lobby of Breiseth Hall, featured a welcome from Kevin Boyle, vice president for advancement at Wilkes University.
Deborah Zbegner, dean of the College of Health and Education, thanked Alley in her remarks and reinforced the power of education, noting the widespread impact of the generous gift. “Education shapes every other discipline and provides the foundation from which all is built,” she said. “It is a reminder that when we invest in education, we invest in our humanity and the promise of the future.”
Faith Sekol, a senior early childhood education major, offered her gratitude on behalf of Wilkes students preparing for careers in teaching. “Dr. Alley, your generosity means the world to us. The Alley School of Education is more than just a name — it’s a symbol of excellence and a reminder of what’s possible when someone believes in students,” she said. “On behalf of all of us, thank you for investing in our future.”
When Greg Cant, president of Wilkes University, stepped to the podium, he welcomed Father Tom Looney, president of King’s College, and John Yudichak, president of Luzerne County Community College. The trio congratulated Alley on being named the 2025 Outstanding Philanthropist by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals in recognition of his lifetime of support for their educational institutions and the community as a whole.
Cant detailed a few of Alley’s many accomplishments and reinforced the passion for learning that resulted in his generous gift. “The heart of his experience and his whole family’s experience has been the power of education,” said Cant. “Education is what lifts us up and allows for possibilities that we can’t otherwise imagine.” He then welcomed the guest of honor to say a few words.
Alley shared the story of his father’s arrival in the U.S. in 1895, emphasized the family’s success built on the values of hard work and education, and humbly offered his appreciation for the event and the school that bears his name.
“It goes without saying that I’m here this afternoon with a great deal of pride, proud that the Alley name is going to be associated with the School of Education at Wilkes University,” said Alley. “The Alley family will be forever indebted to President Cant and the trustees of Wilkes University for permitting the Alley name to be associated with this outstanding University.”