John Hertneky ’79 ENG and his wife, Kristine, came from blue-collar families and paid their way through college by working and taking out student loans. Through these experiences, the couple saw a need and an opportunity to give back to students who continue to face similar barriers in pursuit of a college degree. In a previous spotlight, John shared, “Now that we are both retired from our respective careers, we have come to fully realize the advantage that a college degree gave us to be able to fulfill our aspirations and dreams. And now that we have the ability to do so, we want to make sure that future students have the same opportunity.”
Shortly after John joined Penn State Beaver’s advisory board in 2001, he was appointed to chair the development committee, which helped raise funds for the board’s endowed scholarship. He went on to serve a 10-year term on the advisory board, serving as both board vice-president and board president during his tenure. Currently, he is 8 years into his second term. As part of his advisory board participation, he has also served as chair of the community engagement committee, as well as assisting with the annual Wine & Ale event and Penn State Beaver Alumni Society Golf Outing fundraiser. He said, “As a member of the advisory board executive committee, I spend a good deal of my time either leading or participating in fundraising activities, in addition to exploring ways the campus can better engage our local communities.” In 2007, John co-chaired Penn State Beaver’s campaign committee during the For the Future campaign. In addition to working directly with Penn State Beaver, John is the past president of the Board of Directors and is currently the fundraising chair for the Beaver Valley Innovation Hub, spawned by the Invent Penn State initiative. He is also active with the local chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, which frequently interacts with the campus’ advisory board.
In 2013, John and Kristine established the John and Magdalen Hertneky Memorial Endowed Scholarship in honor of John’s parents. He shared in their previous spotlight, “John was a teacher, and Magdalen was a nurse, and we feel that in the spirit of those two professions, we want to be able to teach and care for future generations.” One of the couples’ favorite experiences that has continued to inspire them has been meeting their scholarship recipients and hearing their experiences as students at Penn State. “We are always impressed by their appreciation and hard work.”
Beyond that, they always enjoy the opportunities to partake in events at University Park to meet other donors, faculty and staff, and, of course, students. “For example, as a member of the campus advisory board, I often get a chance to interact with students from the campus and see what they have been able to accomplish, both in the classroom and outside of it.” The Hertnekys shared that they are still shocked by the fact that many students lack the financial resources to be able to attend a university and get a degree. John said, “I want to do what I can to make sure that an opportunity to attend and graduate from Penn State is available to all students. I trust Penn State and their mission as a land grant university, and I know firsthand how valuable a Penn State degree is and the impact that connections to Penn State alumni can have.”
As for philanthropy, he sees the value of all gifts and believes it is important to highlight them all. “It is likely that someone who makes a smaller gift is actually sacrificing more than someone who has the capacity to make a million-dollar gift.” In addition to treasure, John wants others to know that time and talent are deeply meaningful gifts, too. Throughout his life, he has benefited from someone willing to take the extra step and help him along the way. That has inspired his volunteerism and philanthropy, and he feels that his service is a way for him to repay that generosity and inspired him to encourage others to do the same. “I also want to set an example for others to make them aware of the impact that the donation of time and talent can make in someone’s life.”
This story is a continuation of a Volunteer Spotlight featuring the Hertnekys in 2018. This content has been updated to reflect their continued philanthropy and volunteerism.
Inspired by the Hertneky’s service to Penn State?
Give to the Kristine and John Hertneky Endowment for Student Internships at Penn State Beaver
Give to the John and Magdalen Hertneky Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Penn State Beaver