RADNOR, Pa. (Nov. 11, 2016)—On Nov. 4, nearly 200 members of the Cabrini community joined the University for its annual Visionaries Gala to honor the power of education and celebrate individuals who embody the true spirit of Cabrini.
The black-tie-optional event, held at the Sheraton Valley Forge, included a silent auction, awards ceremony, and a “Make It Happen” fundraiser.
All proceeds from the event go toward supporting the next era of innovators and visionaries at Cabrini through scholarship aid and enhancements to the student experience at the University.
“We ask Cabrini students to live with purpose, so we are committed to providing them the opportunities to discover their passion and embrace it,” said Donald B. Taylor, PhD, President of Cabrini University. “The people at this event help build a student experience that shapes the innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs of tomorrow.”
Joanne Kovacs Balshi (’69) and Thomas Balshi, DDS, FACP (HON’10), founder of Fort Washington-based Pi Dental, received the University’s Christopher Award for Extraordinary Leadership for embodying the University’s core values of access to education and service to others in their life’s work.
During the program, Taylor announced a new scholarship established by the Balshis that supports the pre-dental program Cabrini offers with Temple University. Taylor also announced a $2 million gift from Thomas P. Nerney (’77, HON’15), President of Wayne-based USLI, and revealed that the new Athletics and Recreation Pavilion will bear the Nerney name.
In addition, the “Make It Happen” fundraiser reached its goal to raise $25,000 after sophomore Danielle Perez (’19) shared her experience as an accounting and marketing major at Cabrini.
Additional honorees included Michael Kazanjian (’03) and Eric Tidwell (’96) who both received the Luminary Award for inspiring success in their careers, in their communities, and in their impact of the lives of others. Kazanjian serves as Vice President of Marketing at Lincoln Financial Group. Tidwell is currently the Senior Security Architect at IBM’s Wilmington, DE, campus.
Former Cabrini faculty member and member of the Board of Trustees Shirley Walker Dixon (’84, MEd’89) of Philadelphia received the Compass Award for continuously exhibiting clear direction—as an advocate, educator, and student—to respect and protect the life and dignity of every human being. Dixon is the first recipient of this inaugural award.
For more information on the Cabrini Visionaries Gala and the award recipients, visit cabrini.edu/gala.
About Cabrini University
Founded in 1957 by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cabrini University is a Catholic institution that empowers students to become advocates of social change through an Education of the Heart, focusing on academic excellence, community engagement, and leadership development.
Cabrini enrolls approximately 1,300 undergraduates in more than 35 majors, pre-professional programs, concentrations, and minors on its serene 112-acre campus located 30 minutes from Philadelphia. The University also enrolls 900 students in graduate, doctoral, and professional studies programs at its main campus in Radnor, PA, and at five off-campus locations.