UPPER BURRELL, Pa. — Penn State New Kensington scholarship receptions are semiannual events that bring together scholarship recipients, faculty, staff and donors. The socials give undergraduates and incoming students who received New Kensington campus scholarships a chance to meet their professors and benefactors face to face.
The spring reception was held March 18 at Oakmont Country Club. More than 200 freshmen were awarded scholarships for the 2016 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, which hosts this year’s U.S. Open.
Patty Brady, director of enrollment management, welcomed the guests, and Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus, was the keynote speaker. Snider spoke of the quality of a Penn State education and the small-campus experience. He also noted that scholarships are a critical component of the campus' mission.
“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.”
Marissa Russo, a senior information sciences and technology major, and Brandon Burchette, a sophomore in the communications program, talked about the importance of scholarships as a part of their college experiences. A networking session followed the speakers’ remarks.
The campus and University awarded more than $538,00,000 in scholarships to current students for the fall semester. More than 220 students received an average of $2,400 per award.
The scholarships are supported by $304,000 in private donations and $234,000 in University funds. Based on a multitude of factors, including academic achievement, financial need and diversity, the scholarships were distributed to deserving students from cities and towns from across the Commonwealth and the country. The campus has 54 scholarship endowments, annual gifts and program awards.
For photos of the reception, visit http://psnk.smugmug.com/.