UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State’s Student Philanthropy Network (SPN) recently announced that the organization has received a $10,000 matching gift for the 2021 Class Gift, the Student Access and Equity Fund. Through the match, which was made possible through the generosity of the Peter Weiler Family Endowment in Advancement and Philanthropy, any gift made to the 2021 Class Gift through Dec. 31 will be matched 1:1 up to $10,000.
“This match will make a huge difference in our ability to reach our fundraising goal,” said Liam Parrish, executive director of the 2021 Class Gift Campaign. “I have no doubt that students across the commonwealth will be excited about the possibility of having their gifts do double the work.”
The Student Access and Equity fund was selected by the class of 2021 as their class gift in December 2020. When the $25,000 endowment requirement is met, the fund will support individuals who contribute to the diversity of the student body and who are unexpectedly in need of help to afford educational expenses not covered through financial aid.
"It’s been amazing to see the class of 2021 unite in support of the Student Access and Equity Fund and the positive impact it will have on our entire institution,” said Rachel Bruning, president of SPN. “This generous match is just another example of how dedicated our University community is to creating the most inclusive and equitable Penn State — and it makes me proud."
In addition to supporting the 2021 Class Gift, the Peter Weiler Family Endowment in Advancement and Philanthropy will fund two additional programs within the Office of University Development. Beginning this summer, the endowment will launch a pilot program to support travel expenses for recent Penn State graduates interested in pursuing volunteer opportunities at the University Park campus. It will also provide a matching fund to incentivize new donors during #GivingTuesday, an international day of giving that has become a signature fundraising event at the University.
Those interested in donating to the 2021 Class Gift can do so by texting “ClassGift2021” to 41444 or visiting raise.psu.edu/classgift2021. Additional class gift information can be found at the Student Philanthropy Network's Facebook page or at @PennStateSPN on Twitter and Instagram. Questions can be directed to Brie Burdge, class gift adviser, at bwb67@psu.edu or 814-863-2052.
Gifts made to the 2021 Class Gift will advance “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence,” a focused campaign that seeks to elevate Penn State’s position as a leading public university in a world defined by rapid change and global connections. With the support of alumni and friends, “A Greater Penn State” seeks to fulfill the three key imperatives of a 21st-century public university: keeping the doors to higher education open to hard-working students regardless of financial well-being; creating transformative experiences that go beyond the classroom; and impacting the world by serving communities and fueling discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. To learn more about “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence,” visit greaterpennstate.psu.edu.