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Gannon University is proud to announce the establishment of the Dr. David and MaryAnne Kozak ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ READS Program Endowment.  

ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s Reading to Enhance the Awareness of a Diverse Society (READS) program enhances the first-year student experience by providing a common book for first-year students to read and discuss. All ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ students, faculty and staff, as well as community members, are welcomed and encouraged to take part in the reading.  

During the fall semester, the book’s author is invited to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s campus to meet with students and discuss the book and related topics. The day culminates with a special evening lecture, at which the members of the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ and Erie communities are invited to participate. 

The inaugural Dr. David and MaryAnne Kozak ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ READS lecture will feature Lara Hope Schwartz, author of “Try to Love the Questions: From Debate to Dialog in Classrooms and Life” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30 at the Warner Theatre. This event is sponsored by The Erie Community Foundation and is also featured in the lineup of the Jefferson Educational Society’s Global Summit. 

David Kozak, Ph.D., served as a distinguished professor of public policy at Gannon University until his retirement in 2016. His wife MaryAnne served as the director of the university’s leadership minor program for many years.  

Lead gifts to establish the Kozak’s endowment in support of the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ READS program were provided through the generosity of Erie Insurance, Mr. Thomas B. Hagen and Gannon University. 

“We are thrilled to have this endowment established in the Kozak’s name,” said Nancy Bird, Vice President for University Advancement at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ. “Both David and MaryAnne served as influential mentors in our community. Their legacy will be honored through the on-going impact of our READS program.” 

Registration for the Oct. 30 event is required. Attendees can register online .