Misericordia University Celebrates 25 Years of the Women with Children Program with Silver Soirée®

Misericordia University Celebrates 25 Years of the Women with Children Program with Silver Soirée® 

DALLAS, Pa. — Misericordia University and the Bourger Women with Children Advisory Board, hosted a Silver Soirée® on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Irem Temple Country Club Pavilion to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program. The event brought together alumni, community members, faculty, staff and friends to honor the program’s enduring legacy of supporting single mothers in their pursuit of higher education. 

The evening featured dinner, live music, and a silent auction fundraiser. The highlight of the program was the recognition of several individuals whose vision and generosity have been instrumental to the program’s success: Sister Jean Messaros, RSM, founder of the Women with Children Program; Mrs. Flo DePolo, for her 16-year commitment as the longest serving advisory board member; and Mr. Rob Friedman and the Friedman family for supporting two program homes named in loving memory of Pauly Friedman and Anne Friedman Glauber.  

Since its founding in 2000, the Women with Children Program has provided free housing and an array of supportive services to economically disadvantaged single mothers and their children, enabling them to pursue their college degrees. One of only eight programs of its kind in the nation, it has served hundreds of families and continues to be a state and nationally recognized two-generation model for access and opportunity in higher education. 

“This remarkable milestone is a celebration of the courage and success of our student mothers and the dedication of those who make the program possible,” said Katherine Pohlidal, Director of the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program. “This Silver Soirée reminds us that access to education can change the trajectory not only of individual lives, but the lives of entire families. And we now know the positive generational impact our program creates as we see the children of our student mothers achieve college degrees themselves.” 

The event was made possible through the generosity of sponsors, community partners and attendees. Proceeds benefit the continued sustainability of the Bourger Women with Children Program, ensuring that future generations of student mothers and their children, have the resources they need to succeed. For more information or to make a donation to support the Ruth Matthews Bourger Women with Children Program, please visit, www.misericordia.edu/wwc.