First-generation family patriarch honored with memorial endowment through LHU Foundation

LOCK HAVEN, PA – In honor of the remarkable life and career of 1954 Lock Haven alumnus William “Bill” Ira Vance and his 35 years of dedicated service to educating and mentoring students, the Vance family has graciously endowed the William I. Vance Memorial Scholarship through the Lock Haven University Foundation.

The Vance Memorial Scholarship will assist exemplary Commonwealth University-Lock Haven students seeking a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) career, with preference given to first-generation students majoring in computer science or any of the natural sciences.

Vance, the first of his family to attend college, displayed notable aptitude and initiative throughout high school. Math and logical reasoning were a strong suit, and he delivered the salutatory address to his senior class.

His parents, a family of modest means from Tylersville, about 20 miles from Lock Haven, also believed in the transformative power of education. Having both worked in mill jobs, they saved to send him to college to fulfill his dream of a career as an educator.

In 1954, Vance rewarded his parents’ investment in his education by becoming the first person in their family to earn a college diploma. While at Lock Haven, Bill and his wife, Shirley, became parents to twin sons, Ron and Don.

Despite courting a wife and raising a family, he got involved in college life and played in the marching and orchestra bands. He became a brother of Delta Rho Beta, which later evolved into Sigma Pi, which his sons joined in the 70s.

During his tenure as a student, Vance developed a strong affinity for Mat-Town, USA wrestling and witnessed the crowning of Lock Haven’s first-ever National Champion, Leonard “Gus” DeAugustino, in 1953.

Inspired by this rich wrestling tradition, he would eventually coach Selinsgrove’s intramural wrestling program, which later morphed into its junior high school program. His passion for wrestling was also instilled in Ron and Don, (and two grandsons), who both pursued the sport in their high school years.

Professionally, Vance’s joy for teaching and mentorship left an indelible impact on the students and communities he served. He taught math at Ridgeway and Selinsgrove high schools, and also served as guidance counselor at Senlinsgrove.

Widely respected for his leadership, humility, and empathy, students – even the most challenged ones – found solace in his firm yet fair approach.

Beyond the classroom, he was generous with his time and talents and supported Selinsgrove’s football, wrestling, and track programs. In the summers, Vanced worked alongside the school’s shop teachers, assisting with remodeling and repair projects for the school district.

After retiring in 1990, he started his own business, Bill’s R&R (remodeling and repair), and remained the go-to person for all family projects.

Ron and Don both followed in their father’s footsteps and attended the then named Lock Haven State College (LHSC), both graduating in 1975. Ron earned a degree in math/computer science, and went on to become VP and CIO of TE Connectivity (formerly Tyco Electronics). Don graduated with a degree in Earth/space science and spent the bulk of his career as an executive director with the Boeing Co.

Ron’s wife, Amee (Lewis) ’75, graduated from LHSC with an early childhood degree and shared Bill’s passion for teaching. Amee has served on the Lock Haven University Alumni Association board of directors since 2018 and on July 1, 2022, was elected to a two-year term as president.

Shirley’s brother, Jim Reifsnyder graduated from LHSC in 1969 with a mathematics degree.

The family also has strong ties to Lock Haven’s sister institution, Bloomsburg, recently integrated under the banner of Commonwealth University. Shirley’s brother, John Reifsnyder, and Bill and Shirley’s daughter, Carol Vance Manbeck ’82, earned their degrees from Bloomsburg in 1964 and 1982, respectively.

Although she did not attend college, Bill and Shirley’s daughter, Cathy Vance Ulrich, served in the superintendent’s office in the same school district as her father.

“Many of us have roots in the area, and it feels good to offer a head start to others from humble beginnings to help them achieve their fullest potential,” Ron said. “Not a handout, but an incentive to explore, work hard and succeed.”

“Dad was a role model for work ethic, initiative and family values,” he added. “He took personal responsibility and strived to improve himself and his family. He didn’t have much, but he found a way to overachieve. Our country could use more of that.”

The Vance Family is grateful for the opportunity to give back and further Bill’s legacy. They hope the scholarship will provide opportunities for aspiring students to embody Bill’s values and make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.

“The skills embedded in STEM technologies are universally sought-after across various disciplines, making STEM careers critical to the future of our nation and the world,” Ron said. “By encouraging others to pursue STEM fields through this scholarship, we hope to inspire Lock Haven students to create a better future, not just for themselves, but for all.”

“We know that is something that Dad would be very proud of,” he added.