Dennis's Legacy

Dennis Siegmann '68 spent more than 37 years in public education as a teacher, coach, and administrator. A career path he never really saw for himself as a young man.

But his outlook changed when he was encouraged to apply to Bloomsburg by his high school principal and wrestling coach, both of whom were alumni.

As a first-generation college student, Dennis struggled to pay his way. In fact, at the end of his junior year, he wasn't sure if he would make it back for his final year. His high school principal, Dr. Frank Furgele, covered his tuition and found him a job so he could repay the money.

"I learned a lot about giving back from Dr. Furgele, and if it wasn't for him, I might have dropped out," Dennis says. "It was my turning point."

Once career and family responsibilities began taking up less time and Dennis became more involved with BU, he made a gift through his estate to establish the Siegmann Family Wrestling Scholarship.

"The camaraderie you develop when you're at a small college like Bloomsburg is amazing," Dennis says. "I have an opportunity now to rekindle what I had back in the day and help other foster that same kind of bond."

Dennis was able to create the scholarship by naming BU as a beneficiary on his life insurance policy. He was also able to activate the scholarship early by making a gift of $1,000 each year and begin impacting student-athletes immediately.

"Driving up that hill, it's still a special place in my life, adds Dennis. "There are a lot of things to consider when you pick a college, and you have to find a place to fit. Bloomsburg was the right fit for me."