The Header Family Foundation Scholars Program
The Header Family Foundation Scholars Program aims to support students enrolled in Alvernia University’s Header School of Business who demonstrate financial need, with a special consideration for students who have a proficiency or interest in manufacturing, research and development, and/or innovation. This endowed scholarship is a transformational gift, the largest alumni gift in Alvernia’s history, established to support students with financial need pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world.
Eligibility
Header Scholars are students enrolled in Alvernia’s Header School of Business who demonstrate financial need, as defined by the Office of Student Financial Services. Special consideration will be given to students demonstrating proficiency or interest in manufacturing, research and development, and/or innovation. Header Scholars will display the grit and resilience required for personal and professional success and maintain a 3.0 Grade Point Average. Eligibility requirements include the following:
- A Header School of Business undergraduate student.
- Meet financial aid eligibility.
- Special consideration will be given to students demonstrating proficiency or interest in manufacturing, research and development, and/or innovation.
- Student must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and meet the University’s satisfactory academic progress requirements.
- Complete the Header Family Foundation Scholarship Application.
Award Amounts
- Header Scholars will receive a $5,000 award renewable throughout their undergraduate studies in The Header School of Business at Alvernia University.
- The scholarship is renewable if recipients maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and continue to be a full-time student in the Header School of Business.
- $20,000 is the total award over four years of full-time study in the Header School of Business given the meet all requirements for scholarship renewal.
Header Scholar Mentorship
The impact of this gift goes well beyond just financial support. It is a source of inspiration and motivation for our students and our university community who can look to Greg and Stacey Header’s story as an example of what is possible with dedication, hard work, and compassion. The Header story exemplifies the American Dream and embodies the spirit of true grit. Their journey began with humble beginnings, and they worked extremely hard to achieve their dreams, overcoming numerous obstacles and challenges along the way. Through sheer determination, perseverance, grit, teamwork, principled leadership, and an unshakable work ethic, they built successful businesses that serve as a testament to getting the right results, the right way.
The Headers exemplify our core Franciscan values, are genuinely caring, humble, and kind, and have become true role models for our community. As we prepare our students to become ethical leaders with moral courage, we must instill in them a sense of community responsibility and inspire them to make a positive impact on the world.
So it is in this spirit that Header Scholars will be assigned a mentor who will work closely with them throughout their academic journey. Mentors will guide and support the Header Scholars as they pursue excellence in their academic, professional, and personal endeavors.
About the Headers
Greg Header ’97 is a distinguished alumnus and serial entrepreneur, accomplished business professional, innovator, and community leader with a proven track record in manufacturing, product development, operational excellence, and business strategy. He holds over 50 unique patents, a majority in fenestration, and is the co-founder of Solar Innovations, a premier architectural glazing system company acquired in January 2022 by Fortune Brands. He also received the Distinguished Alumni Award at Alvernia University’s Annual President’s Dinner in 2022. Header currently serves as the Vice President of R&D and Innovations for Fortune Brands Home & Security; CEO and Owner of IRT Reels – the best-in-class American made custom fishing reels; CEO and Owner of Universal Clamps – manufacturer of aluminum roof clamps and snow guards; and CEO and Owner of Header Trading Companies.
Stacey Header co-founded Solar Innovations with husband Greg and Darren Coder in 1998, serving as part-owner and chief financial officer. She is a 1993 graduate of Bloomsburg University, where she received a degree in accounting. She obtained her CPA license in 1995 while working at Beard & Company and served as an internal auditor for Hershey Foods and FirstEnergy while working part time at Solar Innovations before transitioning full-time to Solar Innovations in 2002. Since the sale of Solar Innovations, Stacey has continued to work with the company’s CPA firm while also leading the financial, human resource, and administrative functions for Innovative Reel Technologies, the Headers’ custom fishing reel business, and two other Header companies, Universal Clamps and Escapes Limited.
For questions and more information concerning the Header Family Foundation's Scholars program, please contact the Alvernia University Student Financial Services Office at 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
