And the Inaugural John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Awards Goes to . . .

​by Mark DiMaio

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce announced that the inaugural John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership award goes to Dr. Jack P. Varsalona, president of Wilmington University. The award will be presented at DSCC’s annual Superstars in Education Reception & Awards Ceremony at Wilmington University’s Doberstein Admissions Center Auditorium, May 9, 2016 at 4:45 p.m.
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The John H. Taylor, Jr. Education Leadership Award recognizes someone within the community who has provided sustained leadership in advancing Delaware education and who, by doing so, has also made our community a better place in which to live and work. “I’m honored to receive this award from the State Chamber for many reasons, but most especially because it has John Taylor’s name attached to it,” said Varsalona. “John’s integrity and his concern for students in Delaware were second to none. He was passionate about education reform and was well respected for all he wrote and did toward that end in this state.”

With 40 years of experience as a leader and advocate in Delaware education, Varsalona is recognized for his leadership, vision and personal contributions. He is one of the founders of the Delaware Association of Independent Colleges and Universities and a member of the Ursuline Academy Board of Trustees. He is also member of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation Advisory Board in addition to being the 2013 recipient of the Fresh Start Scholarship Foundation’s Muriel E. Gilman Championship Award for his outstanding contributions to the success of the Foundation. Varsalona’s passion for excellence in education is also apparent in his work as a team chair with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the accrediting body that helps other colleges and universities to maintain high scholastic and student life standards.
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Varsalona is heavily involved with community organizations, including the United Way of Delaware, the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation and First State Innovation. He also sits on the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware. In 2014, Varsalona was the inaugural recipient of the Father Roberto Balducelli Appreciation Award for his extensive work in the Italian-American community and support of Italian artistry. Varsalona was named Advocate of the Year by Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County in May, 2015, for his substantial scholarship support and other contributions to Goodwill’s mission of helping individuals to overcome barriers to improving their lives.
Please register for the event by visiting our website.

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