October 22, 2024

Howard Beck Wentz III, far left, and his wife, Leslie, attended the Susquehanna Society induction ceremony in memory of his late parents.More than 1,000 alumni returned to Susquehanna University’s campus to celebrate Homecoming–Reunion Weekend, with highlights including a 50th reunion for the Class of 1974, and various receptions, athletics match-ups and musical performances.

At Susquehanna’s annual Homecoming–Reunion and Milestones Recognition Brunch, the university accepted more than $5 million in gifts from reunion classes ending in 4 and 9. The Class of 1984, which celebrated its 40^th reunion, had the largest class gift of over $1.5 million.

“We are fortunate that our alumni have always had a remarkable spirit of generosity and heartfelt commitment to Susquehanna,” said University President Jonathan Green. “Their support has placed Susquehanna in the most competitive position in its history and makes it possible for students to have a truly transformative experience here.”

Four university supporters were inducted into the Susquehanna Society for their extraordinary philanthropy. The highest giving designation, the Susquehanna Society recognizes individuals and foundations who have contributed a total of $1 million or more to Susquehanna in their lifetime.

The Rev. Richard D. Reichard ’60 H’06 and Melba N. Reichard

The Rev. Richard Reichard graduated from Susquehanna in 1960 with a degree in English. He later earned a Master of Divinity degree from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. Following his ordination by the Central Pennsylvania Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, he served as a parish pastor. Richard completed his Doctor of Ministry from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in 1977 and in 2006, Susquehanna awarded Richard with an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree.

In 1976, Richard married Melba, another long-tenured employee of the National Lutheran Home. He served as the National Lutheran Home’s executive director until he and Melba retired in 2005. Together, they served a combined 82 years at the National Lutheran Home.

In 2010, Richard and Melba established The Reverend Dr. Richard D. ’60 H’06 and Melba N. Reichard Scholarship Fund for the purpose of making a difference in the lives of Susquehanna University students. The fund commemorates their appreciation for the opportunities afforded to Richard at Susquehanna and the important role the university played in his life.

Judith Blough Wentz and Howard Beck Wentz Jr.

Judith Blough Wentz was the daughter of Roger M. Blough, a member of Susquehanna’s Class of 1925 who later served as vice-chair of the university’s Board of Trustees. He was awarded an honorary degree by Susquehanna in 1953, and the university’s Blough-Weis Library is named for him.

Judith and Howard were married in 1958 and had three children: Roger Wentz, Howard Beck Wentz III, and Elizabeth “Wizzie” Wentz Stewart.

In 2014, Judith and Howard established the Judith Blough Wentz Scholarship at Susquehanna to support students with financial need. Their philanthropy also contributed to the construction of Susquehanna’s Natural Sciences Center. In appreciation of their generosity, the building’s organic and inorganic research lab is named in their honor.

The late Wentzes were inducted into the Susquehanna Society posthumously; Howard passed away in 2014 and Judith passed in 2022. Howard Beck Wentz III attended the induction ceremony in memory of his late parents and provided personal reflections on his family’s deep relationship with the university.