Impact Report

Institutions of higher education in the public sector have become increasingly reliant on philanthropy to help students pay for college. At Pennsylvania College of Technology, this need is particularly keen, as the type of education for which the institution is deservedly renowned (hands-on, technology-driven) requires significant investment in facilities and instructional equipment. Absent the generous support of donors, the cost would put the lifetime benefits of a Penn College education beyond the reach of many students and their families.

All of us feel the often-conflicting pull of various agencies competing for our support. An almost endless parade of solicitations for health care and medical research, human services, and the arts compete for our contributions each day. All are worthy causes. Based upon my career of over 40 years in education, focusing on that area seems a natural choice for me.

I choose Penn College as the primary recipient of my educational contributions because I have come to recognize that education focused on secure employment, a mission at which the college excels, provides the greatest benefit to the student, the community and the commonwealth.

There are many avenues through which donors can support Penn College. Contributions from individuals provide opportunities for academic enrichment for a single program of study or across the curriculum. Many donors prefer to focus their attention on areas of student life, such as athletics. For me, the choice was simple. I have always felt that the best way to directly help a student is through scholarship dollars. To ensure that these dollars work in perpetuity and continue to grow to offset inflation, I chose to create endowed scholarships.

I have created two endowed scholarships, and I am working on a third. My annual contributions to the Penn College Foundation have been, in large measure, focused on this effort. However, it is through estate planning that I feel I can make the greatest impact.

Again, I have chosen to focus on creating endowed scholarships. As a member of the Foundation Board, I recognize that, despite the donors’ good intentions, some scholarships struggle to reach endowment level. My estate plans give the foundation’s leadership team the flexibility to address these shortfalls, as well as to create other endowed scholarships as they deem appropriate.

Another planned giving vehicle I have utilized is life insurance. The policy the college provided for me as an employee now rests with the foundation, and I pay the premiums. I have directed that the proceeds from this policy be earmarked for the creation of endowed scholarships.
While annual support remains part of my philanthropic profile, it is through estate planning that I believe I will have the greatest impact on Penn College and its students.