For some, volunteerism looks like investing time, hosting an event, or contributing funds. For others, it is offering resources, vision, and expertise to accomplish a goal. For Penn State Lehigh Valley development committee co-chairs, Howard Kulp and Shane McGee, it’s all of the above.
When Penn State Lehigh Valley announced its expansion in 2009, Howard Kulp, ’73 A&A, saw an opportunity to combine his passion for the University with the expertise and resources from his company, Howard Kulp Architects, PC.
“Over several months, I worked closely with the Chancellor, staff, and faculty to design and oversee the needed renovations that were required for a full Penn State student experience,” Howard said. “Seeing the joy on the faces of the students, faculty, and staff on opening day was payment enough for all the hard work.”
Though the construction has long been completed, Howard continues to play an integral role as a volunteer leader on campus. During the University’s previous capital campaign, For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students, he served as co-chair of the Penn State Lehigh Valley Development Committee and founded the first Advisory Board Scholarship at the campus.
With that experience under his belt, he volunteered to serve as the development committee co-chair again for the current capital campaign, A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence—a role he shares with Shane McGee ‘97 Bus.
“Like many Penn State students, I needed financial help to graduate,” Shane said. “I know the difference even a few hundred dollars makes in the life of a college student—the difference between being able to pay your rent or having to charge a credit card that month, the difference between being able to eat three meals a day or just two, the difference between being able to do anything social on weekends or having to stay at home. Although more and more years pass between today and those times for me, those memories will always be crystal clear.”
Experiencing the impact of philanthropy firsthand, Shane and his wife, Katie, created the Penn State Lehigh Valley McGee Scholarship.
“If I can be even a small part of the foundation that gives current and future students those same opportunities, it is well worth my time and energy,” he said.
“The motivation, determination and gratitude from those students on our willingness to help them financially is always amazing to see.”
Shane also serves as chair of the Lehigh Valley Advisory Board, a group of alumni, business professionals, and community individuals who serve as community liaisons in support of the campus.
Despite their success strengthening the campus physically and philanthropically, for both Howard and Shane, it is less about what they have been able to accomplish as campus volunteer leaders and more about what they have been able to give back to the place that laid the groundwork for their success.
“I wanted to give back to my alma mater as it allowed me to get an affordable education and background to create a successful architectural firm,” Howard said. “I felt the University Park campus was too far away for me to be really involved, so I thought that working with the local campus would allow me to help my alma mater in the best way that I could.”
Shane echoed that sentiment, “Volunteering for Penn State is a way to give back to the University that gave me many opportunities and helped to lay the groundwork for my future career success.”
Whether in the smiles and conversations with students or relationships they have fostered with one another and fellow volunteers, the impact of Howard and Shane’s volunteerism continues to be seen.
“Most of my close friends are people I met at Penn State as a student. We still get together often and travel together and attend football games and tailgates,” Howard said. “Next year marks my 50th anniversary of graduation, and if I can help future students develop lifelong friendships like I have then it is all worth the effort and time spent!”
Inspired by Howard & Shane’s service?
Give to the Lehigh Valley Advisory Board Scholarship Fund
