UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- Penn State New Kensington's scholarship receptions are semiannual events that bring together scholarship recipients, faculty and donors. The socials give students who receive New Kensington campus scholarships a chance to meet their professors and benefactors face to face.
The Scholarship Breakfast was held March 20 at the Oakmont Country Club. More than 50 incoming freshmen were awarded scholarships for the 2015 fall semester. Campus faculty and staff met with the soon-to-be Penn Staters and their families in a room overlooking the famous ninth hole at the world-renowned country club.
Patty Brady, director of enrollment services, welcomed the guests, and Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus, gave opening remarks. Snider spoke of scholarships as a critical component of the mission of Penn State New Kensington.
“Scholarships are the lifeblood of the campus’ history and its vibrant future,” Snider said. “Without the thoughtful support of our scholarship donors, many of our finest moments and educational opportunities for students would not exist.”
Donald Bruckner, associate professor of philosophy, gave remarks on the quality of a Penn State education. Three students: Marissa Russo, Subhashini Charyulu and Zachery Hudak; talked about the importance of scholarships as a part of their college experiences. A networking session followed the speakers’ remarks.
The spring reception, held March 24 in the campus Conference Center, recognized current students who earned scholarships for the second semester. More than 60 students and donors attended the reception.Snider spoke of campus benefactors who wanted to help future generations after they had received financial help during their days at Penn State. Many donors created scholarship endowments as a way to “pay it forward.”
Amy Bennardo, a junior business administration major, and Mitchell Hastings, a sophomore science major, were the student speakers. Both expressed appreciation for the scholarships and explained how the funds helped them realize their college dreams.
Lois Rubin, associate professor of English at the campus, was the keynote speaker. As a trustee for the Hyman Family Foundation, she provided a benefactor’s prospective.
Campus scholarships are awarded to eligible students on the basis of academic promise, leadership qualities, community service and financial need. This year, new and returning students at the New Kensington campus earned a total of $539,000 in scholarship money, $304,000 from private donors and $234,000 from the University. The campus has 54 scholarship endowments, annual gifts and program awards that funded 225 students this year with an average award of $2,400 per student.
For photos of the receptions, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/.Hyman Foundation
The Hyman Family Foundation was founded in 1957 by Pittsburgh businessman Samuel Hyman, who was committed to organizations in the fields of higher education, health services and human services. In the 1920s and early '30s, Hyman lived in New Kensington where he owned movie theaters and founded West Penn Mirror and Glass. After moving to Pittsburgh, he established the West Penn Realty Co.
Throughout his life, Hyman was passionate about higher education and remained committed to helping New Kensington residents achieve their educational goals. In 1976, he created an annual $5,000 scholarship at Penn State New Kensington that benefitted 10 students each year.
Upon his death in 1977, his daughter Yetta Hyman Elinoff became the trustee of the foundation and continued his ongoing support of the campus. In 1988, she and her husband, Saul Elinoff, endowed the scholarship in honor of her mother, Minnie Hyman, who shared her husband’s education vision for the community.
“Lack of money prevented my grandmother Minnie from finishing her own schooling,” said Rubin, who will retire from teaching in June. “But she always valued education and would be pleased that funds in her name are being used to help others achieve their goals.”
The Hyman endowment provides approximately $4,500 each year for campus students. Eligible students are chosen on the basis of academic promise, leadership qualities, community service and financial need. Since its inception, the endowment has funded scholarships for nearly 200 students. The 2014-15 recipients are Martin Conroy and Francis Udavcak.
The Elinoffs continue as trustees of the foundation, which is managed by their daughters Sarah Elinoff Acker and Rubin. In addition to funding the scholarship, the foundation has supported the Honors Program, Blissell Library and two campus funds: Student Loan Fund and Insight Forum Faculty Speaker Series. The student fund is designed to provide assistance to undergraduates for emergencies and books required for their courses. The faculty speaker series fund helps the campus bring in guest speakers who discuss topics that are of interest to the campus and local community.
In 2011, the Hyman Family Foundation was named the campus’ Corporate/Foundation Partner of the Year.