Alumni Giving Back

In January 2007 Penn State entered the quiet phase of “For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students.” In a little over two years, generous supporters of the College of the Liberal Arts have already contributed close to $41 million toward the College’s working goal of $90 million. Once realized, these funds will generate annual income of nearly $5 million and provide the margin of excellence needed for the College to move from a position of national visibility to national leadership.

Private philanthropy is essential if we are to realize this goal. The four videos below demonstrate the impact of philanthropy, not only on the students and faculty who benefit from the support, but also on the donors who give so generously.

If you have questions or comments after viewing the videos, please contact Mark Luellen, Director of Development, at mml17@psu.edu or (814) 863-1827.

In order to view these video clips correctly, please ensure you have the latest version of Quicktime.Apple Quicktime

Gene Chaiken outlines the family motto of "putting other people first," and two of the young men who received Chaiken scholarships talk about paying forward the opportunities they’ve been given. 

Helping Other People - A Privilege, Not a Chore

Gene Chaiken outlines the family motto of "putting other people first,"  and two of the young men who received Chaiken scholarships talk about paying forward the opportunities they’ve been given. 
Highlights the impact Gil Watz has made on the Center for Language Acquisition and its faculty and students. Gil talks about his father who taught him an important lesson about giving.

A Philanthropic Role Model

Highlights the impact Gil Watz has made on the Center for Language Acquisition and its faculty and students. Gil talks about his father who taught him an important lesson about giving.
A gift of graduate support inspired donor Rusty Crawford and set the tenth recipient of his graduate fellowship, Nicole Sparling, on the road to a successful academic career.

A Desire To Do The Same Thing For Others

A gift of graduate support inspired donor Rusty Crawford and set the tenth recipient of his graduate fellowship, Nicole Sparling, on the road to a successful academic career.
Thank you

Thank You

Faculty and students pay tribute to donors who, by their generosity, have made a significant difference in their lives.

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What is national leadership?

National leadership requires:

  • Faculty who are innovators in their field and who teach and mentor both graduate and undergraduate students to be future knowledge entrepreneurs

  • Outstanding Ph.D. and master's programs, with the best and the brightest graduate students creating exceptional learning experiences for undergraduates

  • An unparalleled wealth of opportunities for undergraduates to study abroad, engage in research with a faculty member and graduate student, or take part in an internship with an alumni mentor

  • Supportive alumni and friends who appreciate the value of a top-ranked reputation for the College and its students

  • Patience in nurturing the complex process of attaining leadership over many years