A Message from the President

As I have embraced my role as the University’s President these last eighteen months, one thing has become abundantly clear—Penn State is extraordinary because Penn Staters (like you!) are extraordinary. I have been touched by the many stories I have heard from so many alumni and friends about the transformative impact that Penn State has made in your lives and on your communities. I do not take lightly the responsibility you have entrusted in me to help build upon the history of success of our great institution as we work to serve future generations. I believe that, even with our track record of achievement and our top rankings among global universities, Penn State’s brightest days still lie ahead. And I believe that you—the alumni and friends receiving this report—will be some of our most important partners in fulfilling that vision.

In the 2023 edition of The Penn State President’s Report on Philanthropy and Endowments, we are sharing just a sampling of the landmark new gifts announced over the past year. This support will empower our students, faculty, and staff to pursue even higher aims and bolder dreams. These gifts may have their roots in the past—like Tina Terrell’s early love for the Nittany Lions or Bob Houston’s experience as a military officer during the Vietnam War—but they are also focused on the future. Philanthropy will be vital as we affirm our purpose as a university, uniquely serving the Commonwealth and beyond as Pennsylvania’s only land grant institution; as we enhance our agility as an institution that quickly adapts to dynamic needs of our students, communities, and global society; and as we pursue opportunity and drive meaningful impact on our world by leveraging Penn State’s expansive knowledge and expertise.

Your support—whether you have directed it to scholarships for our students, endowed positions for our faculty, facilities that will be state-of-the-art on our campuses, or programs that will drive innovation across our commonwealth, nation, and world—has helped to make Penn State the institution I am proud to lead. Even as this report looks back on our successes in the last year, I believe your generosity will enable us to seek even greater impact in the future. Thank you.

Neeli Bendapudi
President
The Pennsylvania State University