Announcing: The Lombardo College of Business

Dr. Samuel Lombardo and his wife Dena have been supporters of Millersville University (MU) for many years. Their first major gift to MU was in 2015 when they gave $1.2 million to make the Lombardo Welcome Center a reality. On May 6, 2020 they announced a $3 million gift for the Lombardo College of Business. With other gifts throughout the years, it brings their total giving to Millersville University to $5 million!

“During these extraordinary times in which we find ourselves, we thought it was important to step forward to ensure student success,” explained Dr. Lombardo. “My companies have been very successful and we are financially blessed. I like giving back and now, more than ever, seems to be the appropriate time.”

The gift will be used where it’s most needed in the Lombardo College of Business, for student scholarships, faculty development, equipment and internships.

Dr. Lombardo is a well-known insurance entrepreneur and the chairman and CEO of The Benecon Group, which specializes in developing innovative and effective employee benefit solutions. His companies gained national recognition when they were listed four different times by Inc. Magazine as one of the “500 Fastest Growing Companies in America.”

“Dr. and Mrs. Lombardo are not only extraordinary friends of the University, but they have the foresight to see how their investment will impact our students now and in the future” said Dr. Daniel A. Wubah, president of Millersville University. “Because of their generosity, we have named our newest college in their honor. Effective today, the college will be known as the Lombardo College of Business, which is the first named college in the history of Millersville University.”

“I’m a businessperson who started with nothing,” said Dr. Lombardo. “I started my company from scratch, built it into a boutique and grew it into an enterprise. To be able to help business students realize their dreams is very important to me.”

While plans for an on-campus event are on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic, there was a virtual announcement on May 6 at 4 p.m. In addition to the Lombardos and Dr. Wubah, Mike Warfel, chairman of MU’s Council of Trustees, also gave remarks, along with current business students.

“We’re delighted that our business students who graduate this month will officially be graduates of the Lombardo College of Business,” said Dr. Wubah. “Although commencement has been postponed, it will still be something that graduates can add to their resumes.”

“I would like to thank Dr. and Mrs. Lombardo for providing Marauders like myself the tools we need to succeed,” says Lydia Shaloka, a junior business major from Philadelphia.

The Lombardos have been very generous with other programs involving children and education in the region; giving to The Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, Schreiber Pediatrics, the Clinic for Special Children, Franklin & Marshall College and the United Disabilities and Veterans Honor Park.