The Integritas Award for Excellence in Business

Samuel N. Lombardo ‘07LHD & Dena M. Lombardo

Dr. Samuel N. '07H and Dena M. Lombardo have provided tremendous educational opportunities for Millersville University students through their years of financial support. Their $5 million contribution – the largest single gift in the history of the University – is transforming the historic Brooks Hall into the Samuel N. and Dena M. Lombardo Hall, home of the Lombardo College of Business. Along with previous gifts that supported the construction of the Lombardo Welcome Center and student scholarships, faculty development, equipment and internships for the Lombardo College of Business, their giving to Millersville totals $10 million.

An entrepreneur, Samuel Lombardo is the founder and chairman emeritus of The Benecon Group and ConnectCare3. Benecon and ConnectCare 3 provide nationwide industry-leading employer group health benefit plan solutions through innovative self-funded plan programs. Benecon currently serves more than 2,000 employer groups, covering over 485,000 employees and dependents in 43 states utilizing 315 brokers. During his tenure as chairman and CEO of Benecon, he became a four-time recipient of INC Magazine’s exclusive “500 Fastest-Growing Companies in America” award, which recognizes business leaders who have demonstrated excellence in annual revenue and overall corporate growth. Samuel is also the owner of Lombardo’s Restaurant in Lancaster city, which was begun by his uncles in 1946.

The Lombardos are generous philanthropists who have supported various organizations in Lancaster County, where they are lifelong natives. Their generosity has extended to Franklin & Marshall College, The Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic, The Clinic for Special Children, Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, The Mix at Arbor Place, The Veterans Honor Park of Lancaster County, United Disability Services, The Pet Pantry, Lancaster Catholic High School, Lancaster Country Day School and The Janus School. Additionally, they are generous supporters of God’s Love We Deliver in New York City and the National Center for Healthy Veterans in Lynchburg, VA.

In recognition of their exemplary service and philanthropy, the Lombardos were honored as recipients of Millersville University’s Susan and Gerald Eckert Philanthropic Service Endowment Award in 2024. They are members of the University’s Fiat Lux Society, which recognizes donors who have made transformational gifts to Millersville.