A Night for DeSales Celebrates University’s 60th Anniversary

The DeSales community gathered together on March 15 for A Night for DeSales—an unforgettable evening celebrating the University’s 60th anniversary and raising vital funds that directly impact students.

More than 400 alumni, faculty, staff, friends, and donors enjoyed a night of food, fun, live music, and games throughout the DeSales University Center. Each year, the event raises more than $150,000 to benefit The DeSales Fund, which helps provide life-changing scholarships, enhance innovative academic programs, and fortify the foundation of the University.

“It’s truly inspiring to see our University community come together for such a special night and for the shared purpose of supporting our students,” said Wendy Hinton, vice president for institutional advancement. “We’re blessed to be able to gather with our closest friends and supporters, and it was evident that the room was filled with that Salesian spirit that makes DeSales so special.”

The inaugural Take Hold Award was presented to Lee and Dolly Butz for their generosity and friendship to DeSales over six decades and their philanthropic work throughout the Lehigh Valley.

The Take Hold Award celebrates exemplary individuals whose lives and work reflect the values and mission of the University. It takes its name from the Latin phrase featured on the DeSales seal “Tenui Nec Dimittam,” meaning “I have taken hold and will not let go.”

In his acceptance speech, Lee Butz shared his reflections on being present at the campus groundbreaking in 1964 and how “no one could have imagined” what DeSales has grown into over the years.

Special thanks to the lead sponsors for the evening—Air Products, Breslin Architects, IBEW Local 375, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Lutron, and Valley Builders—and the Trustee Sponsors—Frank Dalicandro ’77 and Jo-Ann Dalicandro, Kelly J. Conley Mullen ’87 and Joseph F. Mullen Jr. ’85, Kathleen Kund Nolan ’79 and Timothy Nolan ’77, Kathleen Waterbury Reilly and J.B. Reilly, and John D. Stanley, Esq. and Karen Stanley.

During the program, remarks were given by Father James Greenfield, OSFS ’84, Ed.D., and Kathleen Kund Nolan ’79, board chair, who presented the Take Hold Award. Mary Frances McNulty ’26 offered her thanks as a student representative for all the ways scholarships impact the lives of DeSales students.

After dinner, the evening concluded with dancing, live music from The Heartbeats, a pub atmosphere in the O’Connor Commons, a game room with late night snacks, and a dessert buffet featuring birthday cake for the University’s 60th celebration.