CU-Lock Haven professor emerita Paula ‘Sandy’ Bell champions women’s wrestling at The Haven

For most of her life, Lock Haven Professor Emerita, Paula “Sandy” Bell, had little interest in the sport of wrestling. However, that changed a few years ago after meeting W. Max Bossert Jr., a Mill Hall native and former wrestler. Their relationship led Bell to begin attending men’s wrestling matches at Commonwealth University–Lock Haven — a small shift that would open the door to something far more profound.

Through her growing connection to the sport, Bell was invited to attend the gala that officially launched The Rise Campaign – an ambitious $3.5 million effort to endow Lock Haven’s nationally recognized men’s and women’s wrestling programs. That night, Bell heard the inspirational story of Lily Sherer, an All-American standout from the women’s wrestling team.

Sherer spoke about the obstacles she faced as a woman competing in a male-dominated sport – the lack of resources, the skepticism and the persistent discrimination she had to overcome. For Bell, the speech hit home.

“She spoke with such honesty and courage,” Bell said. “Her words brought back so many memories of what I experienced working in the tech industry – being the only woman in the room, constantly having to prove myself, learning how to stand my ground.”

That moment of connection sparked something unexpected and completely changed the way Bell saw the sport — inspiring her to do something that would uplift future generations of Lock Haven’s women wrestlers. Through a new gift to The Rise Campaign, Bell established the W. Max Bossert Jr. and Paula F. Bell Women’s Wrestling Scholarship – one of the first scholarships at The Haven dedicated solely to supporting women’s wrestling.

“I am incredibly grateful for Sandy’s support,” said Matt Lackey, Lock Haven head women’s wrestling coach. “She quickly recognized the value of our mission and vision for our program’s future, and she chose to back it wholeheartedly.”

“Thanks to her kindness and generosity, we are able to change lives,” he added. “The world needs more women in leadership roles, and wrestling serves as an excellent training ground for that.”

A pioneer in her own right, Bell began her career as a secretary in the 1960s, gradually ascending the professional ladder through her constant pursuit of fearlessly embracing new challenges. She earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in computer science and became a leader in the emerging field of computer information systems well before the digital revolution took hold. She broke barriers, built teams and became an expert in a field where women were often overlooked.

In 1988, Bell brought her talents to Lock Haven University, becoming the first female professor in the computer science department. Over her 19-year career, she taught foundational courses, created new curricula and mentored countless students – some of whom, like Dr. Cori Myers ’91 and Albert Jones ’99, now hold leadership positions at the university.

Even in retirement, Bell never stopped advocating for student success. Her deep belief in the transformative power of education led her to endow multiple scholarships at Lock Haven – including ones for women in technology, future scientists and ROTC cadets. In 2022, she was honored with the Lock Haven University Foundation’s Philanthropy Award for her unwavering commitment to giving back.

“Sandy Bell exemplifies the very best of Haven Nation through her numerous scholarship contributions and unwavering support of Lock Haven women’s wrestling,” said Bashar W. Hanna, Commonwealth University president. “Her latest gift sends a clear message: Every student deserves the chance to ‘rise.’ ”

Bell’s latest gift is personal, not only because of the impact Sherer’s story had on her, but also because of Max Bossert. She credits Bossert, a Lock Haven alumnus who introduced her to the sport and reconnected her with Lock Haven athletics, as the reason she gave wrestling a second look. Including Bossert in the name of the scholarship was her way of honoring that journey.

In the months following the gala, Bell was able to meet with Sherer personally, where they shared their stories and built a bond across generations and experiences. She later met Sherer’s family on senior night and saw firsthand how much the scholarship – and the attention it brought to women’s wrestling – meant.

“These student-athletes carry an enormous load,” Bell said. “They’re competing, studying and sometimes working to make ends meet. Anything we can do to support them makes a real difference.”

Bell hopes others will join her in championing women’s wrestling – financially or through active support. “There are two ways to invest: one is financial and the other is through engagement,” she said. “You don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. Every day is the right time to show up for these students.”

Through her latest act of generosity, Bell has once again made an indelible mark on Lock Haven students. Her story is a reminder that powerful change begins with listening, connecting and believing in the potential of others – especially those still fighting for equal ground like the young women at The Haven who are helping make women’s wrestling one of the fastest growing sports in America.