Launching a legacy

On May 13, I informed the Pennsylvania College of Technology community of my plans to retire on June 30, 2022. After 44 years, the last 23 as president, it was not a decision arrived at lightly.

I have spent virtually my entire professional career at Penn College – a rewarding and fulfilling experience like no other. I knew there would be mixed emotions as I prepared to embark on a new life journey.

I knew, too, there would be much work to be completed in the months remaining before my retirement; I would have it no other way. As I told employees who gathered in Bardo Gymnasium and online at the end of the 2020-21 academic year for an all-college meeting: There is much to be done, and we need to move Penn College forward – to position us for our future students and the future leader.

In my four and a half decades of service to this remarkable institution, nothing has motivated me more than providing deserving students with ample opportunities to succeed – in their future careers and in life itself. There has been no more gratifying moment as Penn College president than to shake the hand of a student crossing the stage at commencement and wish them well, knowing that a universe of possibilities beckons because of the unique education and training they have received on this campus.

I am reminded of a lengthy conversation with my father – normally, a man of few words – when I was deciding whether to accept just such an opportunity: as the first dental hygiene faculty member at Penn College’s immediate predecessor institution, Williamsport Area Community College, in 1977.

The gist of his sage counsel was: “What an opportunity, the first faculty member in a new program. You will have many opportunities. Look at it as an adventure, a first step in a journey, and see what happens. If it does not fit, you can always leave.”

Well, it certainly did fit for me. And now, nothing would please me more than to see our students presented with similar opportunities that turn out to be the perfect fit for them and their unique circumstances.

As I told the college community on May 13, my response – whenever I am asked about a potential legacy associated with my presidential tenure – is quite simple. I do not think in terms of personal legacy. The legacy I prefer to address is institutional. It is setting the stage for future leaders, students, alumni and employees for the next 100 years.

How do we ensure that lofty aspiration is achievable? Well, if you know me, and if you know Penn College, you know that we pride ourselves on doing things differently. No one starts a fundraising campaign during a pandemic, right? No one except Penn College, that is. We need to launch the college’s legacy into the future for generations of deserving students, and there is no time like the present to begin.

There will be no flashing campaign-goal thermometer for all to behold. That has never been our style. I will tell you, however, that our alumni, industry partners, parents, employees, retirees and friends have contributed $28 million in gifts and pledges that have impacted our students tremendously over the past four years. Philanthropic support makes a profound difference for so many of our students. This campaign is not just about how much money we can raise; rather, it represents an education, a calling, an investment.

As I seek support from the entire Penn College community, let me tell you a bit about the foundation of my own philanthropic passions. My parents were my earliest educational and philanthropic role models. They were involved in our community as long as I can remember; they volunteered both their time and treasure.

My teachers and my elementary school principal were great influencers, as well. In third grade, our principal organized a “bank day” when we brought our money to school, and the “bank lady” came to record it in our passbooks. We watched her add interest and saw our investments grow. It was a great lesson in finances at an impressionable age.

When I give to Penn College today, I believe I am contributing to the future of our community in every sense. There simply is no greater reward than watching a student succeed. If you share my enthusiasm for student achievement and possibility, I hope you will see fit to join us in our campaign.

Since Day One as president, I have always said that people make the difference. Accordingly, I will be asking those who value what we do for students to be champions for Penn College in their personal and professional communities. Together, we will launch the legacy for the next generation.

Gilmour kicked off the public phase of the campaign with a six-figure gift that will support the existing Tomorrow Makers Scholarship and establish two new funds: the Gilmour Global Experiences Endowment and the Gilmour Student Competition Endowment.