$1 Million Scholarship Established at Philadelphia University to Honor Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau
Posted: May 13, 2015 in Chains
Planet Fitness
PHILADELPHIA, PA – Members of the Planet Fitness family joined together to donate more than $1 million to endow a new scholarship fund at Philadelphia University in honor of Planet Fitness CEO Chris Rondeau. The scholarship, announced by Philadelphia University President Stephen Spinelli Jr. at the Verizon Philadelphia University Celebration of Innovation on May 9, was a surprise to Rondeau.
“I’ve been involved with Planet Fitness for nearly half my life and being honored with a scholarship program at Philadelphia University was by far one of the most rewarding moments of my career,” Rondeau said. “It’s hard to explain the feeling you get when people donate to such a special cause on your behalf. It’s truly amazing.”
“Chris, the sense of mission and purpose you have created and nurtured is a model for companies around the world. The generosity of your colleagues is a real testament to your leadership, innovative spirit, dedication to your partners and commitment to achievement,” Spinelli said on announcing the new Rondeau Scholars program to a clearly moved Rondeau.
Over the past three months, Planet Fitness franchise owners, vendors, friends and family of Rondeau and others have been working with Philadelphia University to establish the scholarship in Rondeau’s name. Currently at $1 million, the scholarship fund will give priority to families of Planet Fitness franchisees, employees and vendors to obtain a distinctive PhilaU education, one that is active, collaborative, connected to the real world and infused with the liberal arts, launching students into rewarding internships, jobs and career paths.
Craig R. Benson, former governor of New Hampshire and now one of the leading Planet Fitness Club owners; Richard Moore, chief administrative officer and general counsel for Planet Fitness, and Brian Belmont, executive vice president of operations and development for Planet Fitness, led the effort that has resulted in one of the most successful phase-one scholarship campaigns for the University.
At the Verizon Philadelphia University Celebration of Innovation benefit, Rondeau was one of four innovative leaders being honored with the University’s prestigious Leader of Innovation Medal for his disruptive work in the health club industry. The event, which also showcases this year’s most innovative and creative student work, is the University’s largest scholarship fundraiser of the year.
The Leader of Innovation Medal is awarded to innovative entrepreneurs and scholars who have made significant contributions to education, industry or the professions that better society and exemplify PhilaU’s mission to propel graduates to be leaders in their fields at every level of their careers. Rondeau will also be awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters at Philadelphia University’s Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 16, 2015 at 3 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Rondeau was named CEO of Planet Fitness in 2013, after serving as the brand’s chief operating officer since 2003. He joined the company in 1993 and has played a critical role in developing the brand’s revolutionary combination of extremely low prices and a unique, friendly environment. Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness is one of the fastest-growing full-size health club franchises, with more than 900 locations nationwide.
