When it comes to philanthropy, there are many ways to contribute, but this quote from Westfield State University’s founder Horace Mann shows he believed there was one cause greater than all others—education.
Westfield residents and local business owners Nabil and Julie Hannoush agree. This is why they were the Diamond Sponsors at the 175th Anniversary Scholarship Gala in March.
The Hannoushes were the lead donors with the highest gift among all contributors; their funds went directly into student scholarships.
There are many colleges and universities in the area, but the Hannoushes chose Westfield State to receive their gift because, as they see it, the success of the University is directly related to the success of the community at large.
“We recognize Westfield State as a crown jewel in our community,” Nabil says. “It is right here in our backyard, full of resources and opportunity.”
Nabil also says that he feels the mission of the University and his businesses—Expert Fitness, a personal training and wellness club, and Extra Innings, an indoor baseball and sports training complex—are intertwined.
As the University strives to foster an environment to allow students to reach their full potential, the Hannoushes’ businesses strive to provide quality trainers, instructors and staff dedicated to helping clients achieve their life and fitness goals.
The Hannoushes have developed a close relationship with Westfield State. They mentor its students as interns and have hired University graduates, who they say have stood out in the applicant pool.
More personally, their daughter Marie enrolled in the fall of 2011 to study movement science, which prompted them to target their donation toward the movement science and athletics programs.
Nabil had a desire to give back to the institution that would help his daughter excel in academics and in her career path.
“We have entrusted our daughter to Westfield State to receive the proper training, knowledge and enthusiasm to step into the family business or any other business she so chooses,” Nabil says.
As a local business owner, Nabil sees himself in a partnership with Westfield State. “Westfield State is great for the economy and further economic development of the city,” Nabil says. “It provides an opportunity to build business around the University, inviting a strong presence in our downtown and beyond. We should all be proud to embrace and support Westfield State.”
