University Park, Pa. -- The University community will celebrate the achievements of the seven-year Grand Destiny capital campaign with several public events at the University Park campus April 25-26.
The University-wide campaign began on July 1, 1996, and officially will conclude June 30. It aims to raise $1.3 billion for student, faculty and program support, especially for those areas where public funds are inadequate or unavailable.
"Although we are still a little more than two months away from the campaign's official close, we wanted to give students, faculty, staff and friends a chance to come together to celebrate what private support has accomplished for Penn State, and to say thank you to our donors," said Rod Kirsch, vice president for Development and Alumni Relations.
"The Grand Destiny campaign is truly a landmark in Penn State's history," he added. "We cordially invite all members of the University and the surrounding community to join us in what promises to be an exciting and memorable weekend."
Three public events are planned for the two-day celebration:
* Test your Knowledge: Funding the University of Tomorrow — 2 p.m. Friday, April 25, Schwab Auditorium.
Using a format patterned after WPSX-TV's "Pennsylvania Game," President Graham B. Spanier will be host for this fast-paced, hourlong contest, quizzing some of Penn State's best-known personalities on such topics as tuition, student aid, private support and endowments. How does Penn State match up in the Big Ten? How will the university of tomorrow be funded? Attendees may be surprised by some of the answers.
* Opening Ceremony — 5 p.m. Friday, April 25, Eisenhower Auditorium.
Members of the Blue Band will march across campus to Eisenhower Auditorium to start the evening's festivities. Then faculty in academic regalia will process into the auditorium, where Spanier will deliver a keynote address highlighting campaign achievements and how the University has been transformed as a result, as well as a look ahead to future fund-raising initiatives. Some of the University's most distinguished faculty members will share their experiences of the impact of private support on their work. A video, produced by Penn State's public television station WPSX-TV, will present an overview of the campaign's influence on teaching, research and public service.
* Campaign Closing Finale — 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26, Eisenhower Auditorium.
An evening filled with excitement, pride and maybe a surprise or two is planned. Highlights include a video produced by WPSX-TV, showcasing some of the University's most talented students; a commissioned performance staged by Penn State's musical theatre students as well as selections by the School of Music Philharmonic Orchestra and Concert Choir. Spanier, Penn State Board of Trustees Chairman Edward R. Hintz and Campaign Chairman James S. Broadhurst will announce the grand total of gifts and pledges made thus far to the campaign toward its $1.3 billion goal.
All three events are free. However, tickets for the two events in Eisenhower Auditorium should be picked up in advance. They will be available beginning Monday, April 21, at the Arts Ticket Centers in Eisenhower Auditorium and at the HUB-Robeson Center.