Thomas Edison State University (TESU) has announced the creation of a $25,000 endowed student scholarship established by the four daughters of Joseph and Barbara Punchello. Named the Joseph and Barbara Punchello Endowed Scholarship, it honors the parents’ lifelong dedication to teaching and will support TESU students pursuing or who have completed teacher training at any degree level.
The scholarship was established by the Punchello siblings, which includes two prominent TESU staff members: Catharine Punchello, vice Provost and University Registrar, and Juliette Punchello, senior director of Recruitment and Enrollment Management. They were joined by their sisters, Elaine Punchello and Valerie Punchello Hall, in founding the fund.
“It is an honor to create this scholarship in our parents’ names,” the siblings concurred. “They were our first and most loving teachers. Beyond academics, they showed us that hard work and perseverance make anything possible.”
Joseph and Barbara Punchello devoted their careers to inspiring students in Bucks County, Pa., and Mercer County, N.J.
- Joseph Punchello (who passed away in 2014) taught English at Bishop Conwell High School in Fairless Hills, Pa., and spent more than 25 years as a sports journalist for the Bucks County Courier Times.
- Barbara Punchello (known as “Madame Punchello”) taught French and Spanish for four decades at Archbishop Wood High School in Warminster, Pa., and Steinert High School in Hamilton Township, N.J.
Mary Heagley, vice president for Advancement and executive vice president of the TESU Foundation, praised the family’s generosity. “The Punchello family’s generosity exemplifies the best of what TESU stands for as a community,” Heagley noted. “This endowed scholarship is especially meaningful because it’s a testament to Joseph and Barbara’s belief in education and the values they’ve passed on to their daughters.”
Students interested in learning more about the university’s scholarship opportunities can click here. v
