Newtown Square Resident Honored For Distinguished Service at Widener University

CHESTER–Dennis O’Shea, of Newtown Square, a grounds foreman at Widener University, was awarded the William David Eckard Jr. Award for Distinguished Service in recognition of his hard work and longtime commitment to the university.

The Eckard Award was established by William David Eckard III, longtime vice president of administration and finance at Widener University and a 1966 graduate of Pennsylvania Military College. He created the award, a $3,000 cash grant, in memory of his father to help promote and reward excellence at Widener. Recipients must work for Widener on a full-time basis for at least ten years and consistently demonstrate an outstanding level of service.

O’Shea has served Widener for 32 years, as grounds foreman in the maintenance department in which he currently supervises a crew of 16 people.

In recognizing O’Shea, Widener University President James T. Harris III noted that it is because of O’Shea’s leadership and dedication that campus grounds consistently receive high marks when rated by outside inspection teams and visitors. “Dennis and his staff are unsung heroes behind many of the major events on campus such as Commencement, Widener Days, Accepted Student Day and Homecoming,” Harris said. “His organizational skills and attention to detail help assure the success of these events.”

O’Shea, who is still surprised he received the award, is planning to give a portion of the cash award back to Widener as well as to his church. He also plans to celebrate with his wife Carol.

This press release was provided by Widener University.