“Like most alumni, I loved my time at Penn State,” said Janet Vergis, ’86 ’88g Sci. “So much so that I stayed on for an extra two years to grab another degree.”
And it was while earning that graduate degree that Janet met her husband, George ’86g ‘88g Sci. Following graduation, Janet led an intense and successful career in healthcare, previously serving as the CEO of OraPharma, Inc. and president of Janssen Pharmaceutica, McNeil Pediatrics, and Ortho-McNeil Neurologics. But despite professional commitments, the Vergises remained devoted to their alma mater through time, talent, and philanthropy.
Every year, the Vergises support students in the Eberly College of Science with financial need.
“The best inspiration for us is the letters that we receive from students describing the personal impact our scholarship has had on their ability to pursue their education,” Janet said.
“We are so happy to be able to contribute to helping such bright young minds become future leaders in the sciences,” she added. “They inspire us more than they know.”
As an active volunteer as well, Janet currently serves as chair of the Biotechnology Advisory Board (2011-present) and vice-chair of the Corporate Engagement Advisory Committee (2009-present). In addition, both she and her husband are members of the Dean’s Advisory Board (2016-present) in the Eberly College of Science.
“Penn State family comes to mind when I think of the Vergis family,” said Brenda Lucas, Associate Director of Development in the Eberly College of Science.
“Our whole college—from the dean to the Offices of Development and Alumni Relations and Research and Innovation—recognize Janet’s broad support is truly unique,” Lucas described. “But her engagement goes beyond her college as demonstrated by her willingness to share her business expertise to support the University with her involvement in the Corporate Engagement Center, as well as in the biotech area. All of this has made a tremendous impact at Penn State.”
Janet says she values offering support where it’s needed most, whether that’s providing leadership on boards and working with faculty and students, or it is volunteering with the alumni and development office.
And over the past twelve years, Janet’s volunteerism has led her to have many long-term relationships with development staff.
“Their commitment to Penn State is inspiring, and it’s those personal connections that propel me to continue to volunteer,” Janet said.
Although the couple’s daughter, Jacqueline ’21 Bus, recently graduated, they already see her following in their footsteps and creating her own legacy as the next generation of Penn State.
Janet concluded, “The family connection definitely strengthens our desire to give back to our ‘Dear Old State.’”
Inspired by Janet’s service?
Give to the Eberly College of Science Future Fund