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Longtime Bloomsburg Supporters Tim and Carol Wagner Make $35,000 Gift to Support Huskies Athletics

PA (02/24/2025) — Tim '74 and Carol Wagner '74/'78M, have deepened their longstanding support for Commonwealth University-Bloomsburg with a $35,000 gift to the Bloomsburg University Foundation (BUF), strengthening opportunities for students and athletes.

The Wagners' contribution will provide funding for new mats in the wrestling room at Nelson Field House and underscores their commitment to Bloomsburg Athletics and the community they've served for decades, including 38 years of owning and operating Wagner's Trophies on Main Street.

"We deeply appreciate the support for Bloomsburg students, especially from dedicated supporters like Tim and Carol, whose generosity over the years means so much," said BUF Executive Director Jerome Dvorak.

While the Wagners have supported infrastructure and facilities upgrades across a wide range of Bloomsburg's athletic programs, including golf, volleyball, and swimming, Tim has a special affinity for wrestling. After a conversation with CU-Bloomsburg's Director of Athletics Dr. Mike McFarland, Tim saw where upgrades were needed, and was inspired to invest to help revitalize wrestling at Bloomsburg. "We wanted to help bring the wrestling program back to where we know it's capable of going," said Tim.

Tim and Carol, both Bloomsburg graduates, have long been dedicated to the success of the university and its athletics programs. Tim's entrepreneurial spirit led him to open Wagner's Trophies in 1984, following years of work at a local jewelry store. "It was a labor of love," Tim reflected. "But when your family is behind you, it's easier."

The Wagners' generosity has extended beyond athletics. Over the years, they've created a network of friends, faculty, and alumni who share their support for Bloomsburg. Even during the days of the now-dissolved Husky Club, the couple was actively involved, selling 50/50 raffle tickets to raise funds for athletics. "Where there's a need, we'll try to help fill it-it's just what you do," Carol said. Tim added, "You need to contribute to the things that shape your life. The university and the town of Bloomsburg did that for us."

Outside of their philanthropic connections with the university, the Wagners have volunteered for several local organizations, including the Bloomsburg Volunteer Ambulance Association, where Tim serves as president. The organization, with over 20 active members, responded to over 6,000 calls in 2024 alone. "I wanted to get involved because there's a lack of EMTs and paramedics in this whole area," Tim explained, "We grew up in a time where you give back to the community that gave to you."

With their latest contribution, the Wagners are helping advance The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us toward its ambitious $100 million campaign goal while also supporting a $500,000 fundraising effort to strengthen the wrestling program.To learn more about The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us and how you can contribute, visit giving.bloomu.edu/ItStartsWithUs.

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