Michelle K. Houser
Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations
We are pleased to share our success in the University’s “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence” with you in this campaign retrospective.
While we often focus on the dollars raised in a campaign, the impact of those dollars is the true measure of success. From new scholarships to research support to innovative cocurricular experiences, the “Greater Penn State” campaign has helped position Smeal students to become active, ethical, engaged citizens and leaders in workplaces and communities around the world.
We could not have done this without loyal alumni, parents, corporate partners, and friends who, through their philanthropy and volunteerism, have demonstrated a commitment to creating a brighter future for Smeal students and faculty now and well into the future.
It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Penn State Smeal College of Business, and I am looking forward to the myriad ways philanthropy will continue to enhance the future of business education.
Cost vs. Need
“The growing financial need of our students was among our greatest concerns
and most urgent priorities in the ‘Greater Penn State’ campaign.”
Sources:
1. Penn State University Budget office
• Fall 2022, Years 3+4 Smeal tuition
• Does not include estimated room and board
2. Penn State University Office of Student Aid, 2019-2020
My father lost his job as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was unsure if I would be able to complete school. The Open Doors scholarship I received allowed me to continue working toward my degree, and I was able to graduate with a double major.”
Anonymous, Richard J. and Francine Dobkin Open Doors Scholarship
Resources from endowed faculty positions, like mine, help bolster the scholarly mission of Penn State. They provide for meaningful and stimulating learning experiences for our students—from incorporating the latest textbooks and materials into the classroom to bringing in guest speakers to share industry-focused perspectives. They also allow faculty to pursue their research interests. For me, that includes costly data sets, salaries for research assistants, and travel to disseminate my findings.”
Dr. Eva Steiner, associate professor of real estate, King Family Early Career Professor
SMEAL CULTURE
Smeal’s culture is central to our identity as a leading business school.
Philanthropy enhances this work.
* Smeal’s unique educational platform which helps business schools find the connection between every business major and sustainability/ESG performance.
A modern business confronts complex ESG challenges from many sources including supply chain disruption, climate change, and the impact of global conflict. That creates opportunities for business schools like Smeal to be leaders for change. During the ‘Greater Penn State’ campaign, alumni and friends provided crucial resources to help us teach and research sustainability and promote best practices in our operations, organizational culture, and educational environment.”
Dan Cahoy, Robert G. and Caroline Schwartz Professor, Research Director, Center for the Business of Sustainability
The significant development and expansion of cocurricular student engagement opportunities at Smeal has been possible because of the generosity of our alumni and friends and their personal commitment to the centrality of integrity in business.”
Michelle Darnell, Director, Tarriff Center for Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
The philanthropic support the Office of Diversity Enhancement Programs receives allows us to provide the Smeal community with different perspectives on diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging. It’s allowed us to create new programs and engage with our students and faculty in unique and dynamic ways, and it’s enabled our office to be a beacon of hope for students when they’ve faced challenging times.”
Jamie Campbell
Assistant Dean, Diversity Enhancement
