WEST CHESTER, PA — West Chester University has once again been named to the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia, marking the fourth year in a row it has earned the distinction for its commitment to community engagement and regional impact.
The annual honor, presented by the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia in partnership with Points of Light and the Philadelphia Foundation, recognizes institutions that prioritize civic responsibility and deploy resources to drive social impact. Modeled after the national Civic 50 program, the regional award evaluates organizations on four criteria: resource investment, integration across functions, institutional support, and measurable outcomes.
“At West Chester University, we don’t just reside in the community — we’re part of its fabric,” said University President Laurie Bernotsky. She described civic engagement as a core responsibility, not an initiative, underscoring the university’s role as a “trusted partner” and “catalyst for meaningful, lasting change.”
Helen Hammerschmidt, associate vice president in the Provost’s Office, reinforced the university’s mission to “enrich student learning” while contributing to a more equitable society through partnerships rooted in service, research, workforce development, and public dialogue.
The 2025 Civic 50 honorees include a mix of public and private companies, nonprofits, and institutions across the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region. West Chester University’s selection reflects its continued emphasis on public service, particularly within Southeastern Pennsylvania counties including Chester, Philadelphia, Delaware, Bucks, and Montgomery.
Chamber President and CEO Chellie Cameron commended the university’s efforts, stating that each honoree “exemplifies what it means to be a positive corporate citizen and demonstrates the power of service.”
West Chester’s approach integrates civic learning into academics, especially through its Honors College and service-learning components embedded in many of its courses. Engagement efforts are driven by local needs and framed as long-term commitments to the public good.
The Civic 50 assessment was administered by True Impact, an analytics firm that helps organizations evaluate and optimize their social value. West Chester University’s repeated recognition signals its sustained leadership in higher education civic engagement.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.