New Kensington

Chancellor's gala raises $10,000 for advisory board scholarship

It started as "blue and white" for donors and friends but ended as "green' for students and scholarships.

Penn State New Kensington's Chancellor's Gala, which is a part of the University-wide fundraising effort, "For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students," brought in more than $10,000, a new record for the three-year-old event. The total represented a 25 percent increase from a year ago.

The gala brought together 138 campus supporters -- donors, students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends -- for an evening of socializing and networking at Hill Crest Country Club. The theme was "Blue and White Lions Night," and the Penn State spirit permeated the room, as did the sounds of the Student Jazz Ensemble and the enthusiasm of Penn State alumnus and former campus student Joe Battista, who served as master of ceremonies.

Guests were at their philanthropic best, showing their gamesmanship acumen while bidding on auction items; invoking fortuitous superstitions when purchasing raffle tickets; and expecting serendipity to play a role in their mystery box acquisitions.

"It was an exceptional night and our thanks for the support that benefits the campus as well as the community," said Donna Speer, director of development. "We are committed to helping our community grow by breaking the cycle of poverty, and helping our students to advance academically, socially, ethically and culturally."

In addition to fundraising, the Chancellor's Gala serves as a platform for the campus to honor its special donors.

The Hyman Family Foundation was named the third recipient of the Corporate/Foundation Partner of the Year award. Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus, presented the award to the Hyman family for its support of the University and the campus during the past three decades. The inscription on the plaque denotes the family's "leadership, support, and assistance in the advancement, growth, and development of Penn State New Kensington and the surrounding communities." Lois Rubin, an officer of the foundation and associate professor of English at the campus, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.

Hugh G. McRandal Jr., a former student at Penn State New Kensington, was inducted as the 2011 member of the Arch Recognition Society at the annual Chancellor's Gala. McRandal, a marine forecaster for the Ocean Prediction Center of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, joins the 23 charter members who were honored at the gala a year ago. The donor society's membership is reserved for campus supporters who have contributed a total of $25,000 to the campus.

The proceeds will be added to the Advisory Board's endowed trustee scholarship. Spearheaded by former board president Robin Rarie, the scholarship initiative was established in 2008 as part of the board's leadership gift to the campaign. The scholarship is geared toward upperclassmen who are campus leaders, i.e., Lion Ambassadors, Student Government Association officials and student club officers. The current board, headed by president Al Weber, hosted the gala, which was sponsored by the Burrell Group Inc., McCutcheon Enterprises Inc. and Industrial Automation and Controls Inc.

Penn State New Kensington continues the public phase of the fundraising campaign that helps create educational, cultural, and economic opportunities that campus students and community residents need. The campaign is a University-wide effort to raise $2 billion by June 2014. New Kensington is responsible for $3 million of the total. During the private phase of the campaign that began in 2007, and during the current public phase that began in 2010, New Kensington has raised $1.8 million, which is 60 percent of its total.

Plans are under way for the 2012 edition of the gala, which is set for Friday, Sept. 28.

For more on the "For the Future" campaign and the list of gala sponsors, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/44046.htm#NEWS44046 online.
 

 

Chancellor Kevin Snider presents the campus' 2011 Corporate/Foundation Partner of the Year award. Lois Rubin, an officer of the foundation and associate professor of English at the campus, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated October 19, 2011

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