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Wilkes University will celebrate its legacy of educating first-generation college students at the 2019 Founders Gala on Saturday, June 1. Now in its sixth year, the gala will be held at 6 p.m. at the Westmoreland Club, 59 S. Franklin St. in Wilkes-Barre.
The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the President’s Medal to Eugene Roth, Esq. ‘57 of Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald. The President’s Medal is bestowed annually on an individual whose personal and professional life reflect the highest aspirations of Wilkes University.
Proceeds from the event support the First Generation Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarship funds to students who are the first in their family to pursue a four-year degree. Established in 2014, the fund has raised more than $2.3 million.
Roth’s philanthropic support is apparent across campus, especially in Lawrence W. Roth Hall, a standout residence for first-year students, and the Max Roth Center, home to the Center for Global Education and Diversity. In addition, Roth has the distinction of serving under each of Wilkes University’s six presidents, first as vice president of his undergraduate class, then as president of the alumni association and eventually as a member of the University’s board of trustees, a role he serves to this day. He was the chairman of the board from 1993 to 1998, helping to establish the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy.
Roth enjoyed a successful career at Rosenn Jenkins & Greenwald, rising through the ranks from law clerk to partner during his 60-year tenure. A prominent figure in northeast Pennsylvania, he has received numerous accolades for his professional, civic and community efforts with awards from the United Hebrew Institute, the Boy Scouts of America and the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. He has also been featured in a variety of Who’s Who publications. He has served on the board of directors for Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, RCN Incorporated, Wachovia Bank and was chairman of the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital Advisory Council.
In memory of his son, Roth and his wife Connie have established the Lawrence W. Roth Memorial Scholarship, granted annually to a deserving Wilkes student with an interest in the law, politics or community service. He was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Wilkes Ancestral Colonels and is a long-time member of the John Wilkes Society.
Roth graduated from Wilkes University with a Bachelor’s degree in business administration. He went on to Dickinson School of Law where he graduated with honors in 1960. A native of Wilkes-Barre, Roth and Connie are parents to Joan Kleinman, Stephen Roth and Jeffrey Roth, and have 13 grandchildren.
For more information about sponsorships and attending the Founders Gala, please visit www.wilkes.edu/foundersgala or call 570-408-4302.