FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                            Contact: Marisa Bilicic

April 21, 2003                                                                    814-676-6591 Ext. 1215

First Time Award of Paul M. Goldberg Memorial Scholarship

Given at Clarion University–Venango Campus

OIL CITY, PA – Clarion University−Venango Campus is helping one more student with tuition expenses this year thanks to the newly endowed Paul M. Goldberg Memorial Scholarship.

            Goldberg’s family and friends established an endowed scholarship in his name upon his death in 2002. A respected businessman and lifelong champion of the Oil City community, Goldberg was one of the driving forces behind the founding of Venango Campus in 1961. Angela Shontz, a 2003 graduate of Oil City High School, is the first recipient of a $1,000 scholarship made possible through the endowment. Shontz is majoring in business and will start classes this fall.

            “Mr. Goldberg’s energy, generosity and commitment had a profound impact on Clarion University, the Venango Campus and the entire Oil City community,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Venango Campus. “We’re thrilled with this gift that will forever help deserving students and link his name and spirit to the university.”

Shontz is presently ranked 8th/162 in her high school class. She received Academic Excellence Awards her sophomore, junior and senior years and has been a member of the Educational Talent Search program since eighth grade. Shontz tutors high school students who are having academic difficulties and speaks regularly to elementary, middle school, and high school students about the benefits of a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle as co-president of Stand Tall. She is actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities including softball and basketball and was voted Homecoming Queen in 2002.

“I’m excited to be attending Venango Campus because of the smaller classroom setting, friendly learning atmosphere and caring professors,” said Shontz. “And I’m honored to have been chosen for this scholarship.” 

Goldberg served on the board of the Clarion University Foundation from 1998 until his death in 2002. He was instrumental in creating the Call to Action campaign for Venango Campus which was part of the university’s Investing in Futures capital campaign and helped to generate widespread support for the university. Goldberg was also an active community volunteer who worked to recruit new businesses to the area and to improve the quality of life for area residents.

The Paul M. Goldberg Memorial Scholarship is available to students pursuing a degree in business. Preference is given to students from the Oil City area. Clarion University–Venango Campus awards a wide variety of scholarships based on area of study, academic achievement, financial need and other criteria.

Clarion University–Venango Campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed. Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. Clarion University–Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community. Special programs offered at the campus include Kids in College, Jump Start and SeniorLink.

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