Western New England University alumnus Bill Tilley '72MBA and his wife, Joyce, have made a generous gift to support student learning in the computational and analytical sciences. Their gift will strengthen student support services in two high-use learning spaces in Herman Hall: the Alice J. Tilley Memorial Computer Lab and the Sophie M. Roman Memorial Math Center.
The spaces are marked by plaques in Herman Hall recognizing the generosity of Joyce and Bill Tilley and honoring their mothers, Alice J. Tilley and Sophie M. Roman.
"We were inspired to make a gift in support of Western New England University because it helped me in my professional career, which enabled our family to live the American dream," said Bill Tilley. "Naming these spaces in honor of our mothers seemed like a meaningful way to express our gratitude and help ensure that Western New England remains strong for future generations."
Both spaces serve large numbers of Western New England University students each semester, including those studying science, engineering, business, health-related disciplines, and other fields that rely on strong quantitative, computational, and technology skills. Through their gift, the Tilleys are supporting the practical, student-centered learning infrastructure that helps students build confidence, persist through challenging coursework, and prepare for increasingly data-driven careers.
The Sophie M. Roman Memorial Math Center, located in Herman Hall 303, provides free tutoring and academic support for students enrolled in mathematics and statistics courses across the University. Through both drop-in and appointment-based services, the Center helps students navigate coursework ranging from introductory algebra and quantitative reasoning to calculus, probability, and statistics. It is an essential resource for students in foundational courses that often shape academic confidence and success.
A key component of the Center's impact is its peer tutoring program. Students receive support from trained upper-level peers who have excelled in WNE mathematics courses and can help make challenging concepts more approachable. At the same time, peer tutors gain valuable experience in leadership, communication, and mentorship.
The Alice J. Tilley Memorial Computer Lab, located in Herman Hall 201, is one of the University's busiest instructional spaces. The lab supports teaching and learning in technology-intensive courses for both majors and non-majors, providing students with access to the tools, software, and environment needed to develop computational, analytical, and applied technology skills.
Annual support from the Tilley gift will help fund professional staffing, peer advisors, and ongoing technology enhancements in both spaces. Together, these investments will expand the University's capacity to provide timely academic support, strengthen the student experience, and ensure that more students have access to the resources they need to succeed.
"This gift is deeply meaningful because it supports the day-to-day academic work that helps students succeed," said Marcus Davis, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "The Math Center and Herman 201 Computer Lab are essential learning spaces for students across the University. By strengthening support in these areas, Joyce and Bill Tilley are helping our students build the quantitative, computational, and problem-solving skills they need to be leaders in tomorrow's careers."
