Athletics benefactors glimpse results of their 'unrivaled generosity'

Dan and Monica Klingerman had the opportunity to see their gifts at work during a recent visit to Pennsylvania College of Technology’s main campus.

A gift from the Klingerman family allowed Penn College to renovate and equip a new wrestling room, as well as the department's office that has been renamed and rededicated as The Klingerman Family Athletics Suite. The facilities now carry a bold look and upgraded functionality, while offering a cutting-edge atmosphere to better serve current and future Wildcats.

“The generosity of the Klingerman family is unrivaled in my time at Penn College,” said Jamie R. Miller, head wrestling coach. “The Klingerman Family Wrestling Fund created a space where our team feels at home – a place they can call their own – and most importantly, a place that they get excited to spend their time. It is great to see prospective students’ eyes light up when we tour the room, and you can tell that there is a moment when they realize they will feel at home here. We are incredibly grateful for the Klingerman family making this a reality.”

It has been an exciting year for Wildcat Athletics, which welcomed fans back into the stands after a COVID-related hiatus of nearly two years.

Penn College, one of nine core institutions in the United East Conference, is coming off its most successful year on record: 85 Wildcats earned conference Scholar-Athlete honors (topping the previous year’s mark of 67), and two teams (golf and softball) won conference championships and competed for the first time at the NCAA Championship Tournament.

“Our Wildcats are improving every season and experienced so many firsts this past year. Incredible opportunity awaits,” President Davie Jane Gilmour said. “We are so thankful for Dan and Monica’s foundational generosity. May the successes of our student-athletes adequately express our overwhelming gratitude.”

Wrestling, among the Penn College programs steeped in history and tradition, is just one of the sports that benefit from the generosity of Wildcat Club members who donate to their pursuit of excellence in competition and classroom alike.

“The Klingerman Family Athletics Suite inspires students to envision what life as a Wildcat will offer, while serving as a reminder of the loyal fan base who consistently invest in their academic and athletic successes,” said Elliott Strickland Jr., vice president for student affairs.

– Photos by Cindy Davis Meixel, writer/photo editor

The tour group (led by Gilmour, Strickland and Loni N. Kline, vice president for college relations/chief philanthropy officer) enters the newly renovated second-floor wrestling practice space in the Field House.

Miller motions to the monitor which offers the versatility of welcoming recruits to campus, displaying daily team practice plans or watching films.

Monica Klingerman holds the wrestling memento, complete with athletes’ signatures and weight classes.

Outside the Klingerman Family Athletics Suite, the tour pauses at a large screen for a glimpse of the renovation process.

Wildcat coaches – including head baseball coach Chris H. Howard (speaking and clapping, at center) welcome the Klingermans into the suite.

Matt J. Blymier, interim co-director of athletics and assistant director of athletics for compliance and athletic communications, leads the couple through the comfortable gathering space.

Wildcat Athletics' distinguished past and bright future are warmly conveyed in the suite's conference room.

The new mat room in the Field House feeds the eagerness of Wildcat wrestlers.

Manikins dressed in Wildcat uniforms accent the functional and attractive addition to the second floor of the Hager Lifelong Education Center.