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“Jerry Eckert has been a guiding light for me to understand philanthropy,” says Dr. Samuel N. Lombardo. “About 15 years ago, he told me he was going to make me happy by learning how to give back.”
Lombardo made his comments after he and his wife Dena received the Susan and Gerald Eckert Philanthropic Service Endowment Award on Oct. 30, 2024.
Established in 2015, the Eckert Award is given to a recipient based on their exemplary service and philanthropy in advancing the mission of public higher education. The unique aspect of the endowment is the recipient(s) directs the annual interest from the endowment to a University program of their choice.
“Our objective in establishing the award was to recognize appropriately the impact of those giving of their time and treasure to improve the human condition and our community,” says Jerry Eckert.
In speaking to the group of past recipients and other benefactors, Eckert said, “What we learned and observed from all of you and wish to emphasize is that your philanthropy is a most worthy investment, having long-range impact. As investors, you may never know specifically those who have benefited, and you may never know the compound interest factor where many are impacted, such as family members and our community.”
“Philanthropy is about telling stories – the impact that giving has on students and our community,” says Eckert. “We hope our interactions with many of you delivered on the promise that you will experience satisfaction, joy and happiness by giving. Your philanthropy is an investment, sometimes short range, but most times a longer one in advancing our society.”
Susan Eckert, the former president of United Way of Lancaster County, is on the advisory board for the Eckert Art Gallery at Millersville University. Established in 2012 in honor of Susan and Jerry Eckert, the Eckert Art Gallery’s mission is to present diverse, dynamic and meaningful visual art experiences to inspire learners to grow both intellectually and personally. It is the University’s main exhibition space, dedicated to providing high-quality exhibits that feature nationally and internationally recognized artists with the goal of infusing the local and regional art community with new perspectives and exceptional visual art.
In addition, the Eckerts annually sponsor an art exhibit and the student intern for the gallery. And they established an endowed scholarship for a nontraditional student in honor of Susan’s mother, Dorothy Connolly.
Jerry Eckert was the first vice president for University Advancement at Millersville. He founded the division in 1985 upon his arrival at the University. During his tenure, Eckert propelled the University’s alumni, communications and marketing, special events, government relations and development programs. He guided the University through three highly successful capital campaigns totaling more than $150 million. These efforts have greatly enhanced University scholarship and program offerings as well as facility improvements over the last 25 years.
The Eckerts have served on countless boards, including WITF, Hourglass, Steinman Institute, Fulton Theatre, Prima Theatre, Lancaster General Hospital, Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Pennsylvania Governor’s Schools, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Linden Hall, and J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust.
