Inspired by the goals of the A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence campaign, Penn State Smeal alumni, parents, and friends demonstrated unprecedented generosity in fiscal year 2020, contributing a record $32 million.
These results came during a year when, despite the pandemic, the University achieved the highest level of giving in its history, with more than $381 million in support.
“Smeal alumni, parents, and friends play an integral role in our success,” says Dean Charles H. Whiteman. “With their support, we’ve made great progress toward the University’s strategic goals to increase access and affordability, to provide transformative educational experiences, and to impact the world through our commitment to creating economic opportunity, supporting sustainable business practices, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for the entire Smeal community.”
In calendar year 2020, Smeal received gifts from more than 4,300 donors.
The Impact of Penn State Smeal Donor Generosity in FY 2020
- 15 new scholarships
- 18 new program funds
- 3 new faculty positions
- Two of the largest gifts in our nearly 70 year history
- $5 million gift from Scott and Marcy Tarriff to create the Tarriff Center for Business Ethics and Social Responsibility
- $12 million anonymous estate gift
“It’s an honor to be a part of the Greater Penn State campaign, and I am so grateful for everyone’s generosity this year,” says Salo Sredni, a member of the Smeal Board of Visitors and chair of Smeal’s volunteer fundraising committee. “I want to thank Michelle Houser, senior director of development and alumni relations, and her team for their unwavering commitment to the campaign. There is much to be proud of — but there is also more work to be done to further Smeal’s ambitious goals. I can’t wait to see how these gifts will impact our students and faculty.”
The Greater Penn State campaign is enhancing diversity and a sense of belonging at Smeal. Here are three ways:
1.Penn State’s Educational Equity Matching Program
In 2020, Penn State made a $10 million commitment to create the Educational Equity Matching Program. Donors provided scholarship support for students with a demonstrated financial need and whose gender, ethnic, cultural, and/or national background enhances the diversity of the student body. Eleven scholarships will directly benefit Smeal students. The total impact to Smeal is more than $2.3 million.
2.Hughes-Quintos Diversity Enhancement Program Fund
Retired Chief Customer Officer for Dell and Board of Visitors member Karen Quintos and her husband, Tony, made a $1 million commitment in 2020 to create the Quintos Educational Equity Scholarship ($100,000) and the Hughes-Quintos Diversity Enhancement Program Fund ($900,000). The fund will support opportunities that prepare students to foster a welcoming and inclusive culture in the workplace.
3.Accounting External Advisory Board Endowed Support
Members of Smeal’s Accounting External Advisory Board stepped forward in 2020 to establish two endowed accounts to support and enhance diversity efforts in the Department of Accounting. Alumnus Pat Durbin, a partner with PwC, provided foundational support to create the Accounting External Advisory Board Diversity Scholarship, and an anonymous donor provided core funding to start the Accounting External Advisory Board Diversity and Inclusion Fund.
If you are interested in making a gift to support Smeal, contact Michelle K. Houser, senior director of development and alumni relations, at (814) 865-7830 or [email protected] or visit raise.psu.edu/SmealPriorities.
