In 2006, Cathy McKeon ‘71 Lib was approached by the late Susan Welch, former dean of the College of the Liberal Arts, who asked her to join the Liberal Arts Business Minor Task Force. “We were tasked with creating a new curriculum for an introductory course in Liberal Arts for the Business minor,” says Cathy. “We advised the dean on how to reinvigorate the minor and were successful in this effort. A highlight for me was being a guest speaker for the program’s introductory course, presenting to and speaking with the students.”
Her engagement as a Penn State fundraising volunteer began soon after when she joined the college’s Development Council during the For the Future campaign. “I enjoyed that experience and continued to serve on the council throughout the campaign that followed, A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence, during which I led the strategic communication task force,” she says. “It has been wonderful connecting with other alums who share my love for Penn State, and I have learned a lot from them and their philanthropy.” Cathy went on to become the chair of the council, and will be serving in that in the new campaign.
Cathy was encouraged to become involved as a Penn State alumna by Dean Welch. “My bachelor’s degree is in French, and I went on to earn an MBA from Pace University. Susan explained that my experience in business, having come from a Liberal Arts background, would give students a unique perspective that would allow them to consider other ways to use their Liberal Arts degrees post-graduation,” Cathy says. “Following another of Susan’s suggestions, I hosted a work experiences day, where a group of students shadowed me during a day of work, and we wrapped up with a presentation about business opportunities for Liberal Arts graduates.”
Cathy felt motivated by those interactions and engagements with students to become even more committed to mentoring and volunteering at Penn State, as well as to include her alma mater in her philanthropy. She says, “I was fortunate to have parents that worked hard to pay for my two sisters’ and my college educations at Penn State. While I was a student, I met many others who didn’t have that support and needed to work their way through school. This gave me an even deeper appreciation for the opportunities I was afforded, and I made the decision that if I ever found myself in a position to help someone else to get an education, it would be a valuable endeavor.”
As a French major, Cathy aspired to spend a semester abroad in France. Although her parents were able to assist with her tuition, she could not afford to pursue that ambition. “Once I graduated and began working, I saved enough to take a vacation to France, where I could immerse myself in the culture, language, and scenery,” says Cathy. “That trip made me realize how valuable that experience would have been for my education, linguistic skills, understanding of the culture, and expanding my world view.”
Years after that trip, Cathy and her husband, Bob, established the Cathy L. and Robert F. McKeon Director’s Fund in the Paterno Liberal Arts Undergraduate Fellows Program to support students with enhanced experiences such as study abroad, internships, and field trips. Since funding that initial program, the McKeons have endowed several scholarship funds within the College of the Liberal Arts, Paterno Fellows Program, and Intercollegiate Athletics, for both the men’s lacrosse and football programs. This support fulfills Cathy’s resolution as a student to give back.
Cathy has seen and felt the value of her and Bob’s philanthropy while reading the thank-notes they receive and meeting recipients at events. “In the letters, the student beneficiaries not only express their appreciation and gratitude, but also advise us as to how their Penn State experience, supported by our financial support, is framing their future and contributions to society,” she says. “When we’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the recipients of our funds, we always come away thinking how bright and enthusiastic they are, and how much hope they give us for the future.”
Through the years, Cathy continued to serve as an advisor to Dean Welch, and today, to Dean Clarence Lang. “They have valued my input and perspective as a Liberal Arts alumna in business, which has helped shape their thought processes when making decisions for the college,” Cathy says. In recognition of her continued support and guidance, she received the Outstanding Liberal Arts Alumni award in 2009, and in 2014, the Alumni Fellows Award from the Penn State Alumni Association. “How fortunate am I to have received those? It was an honor.”
Cathy is a Penn Stater through and through, whose love of the University began at a young age, and with many relatives who are proud alumni. “Starting with my mother, who graduated in 1944, our family holds at least eighteen Penn State degrees, with another three in progress. For us, attending and supporting Penn State has become a family tradition.”
Inspired by Cathy’s service to Penn State?
Give to the McKeon-Welch Open Doors Scholarship in the College of the Liberal Arts
Give to the Cathy and Robert McKeon Scholars in the Paterno Fellows Program in the College of the Liberal Arts