Penn State New Kensington's Office of Development is available to assist your organization with assessing opportunities for collaboration with the University and investing in our people and programs. Our office creates a bridge for partnerships with the University, while acting as a one-stop resource for corporations and foundations in need of knowledgeable faculty and staff, talented students, high-tech facilities, and opportunities for philanthropic support of activities that make a difference. By developing and maintaining comprehensive partnerships with corporations and foundations, we accomplish our primary goal of enhancing resources for Penn State. Our office will work directly with your representatives to ensure the creation of a mutually beneficial partnership.
You can contact Donna Speer, director of development, to discuss the many options available to donors who wish to support Penn State New Kensington. Donna will assist you in creating a gift that meets your company's interests and matches the needs of the University. Call Donna at 724-334-6057 or dms46@psu.edu via email.
CORPORATE/FOUNDATION PARTNER OF THE YEAR
Established in 2009 by Chancellor Kevin Snider, the award recognizes companies that have a history of outstanding commitment to Penn State and the community. The commitment includes various avenues of support: student internships and scholarships; faculty research and fellowships; facility upgrades; and campus activities that engage the community. Recipients are chosen on the basis of consistency of giving, support to areas of greatest need, and impact across Penn State. The inaugural recipient was Alcoa. The current awardee is the Hyman Family Foundation.
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Chancellor Kevin Snider presents the 2012 Corporate/Foundation Partner of the Year award to
Kristin Burns, associate director for the Grable Foundation.
2012 - GRABLE FOUNDATION
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION SUPPORTS COMMUNITY AND YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS
The Grable Foundation was named the fourth recipient of Penn State New Kensington's Corporate/Foundation Partner of the Year award Sept. 28 at the Chancellor's Gala.
Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus, presented the award to the foundation for its support of the University and the campus during the past three decades. The inscription on the plaque denotes Grable's "leadership, support, and assistance in the advancement, growth, and development of Penn State New Kensington and the surrounding communities."
Kristin Burns, associate director for the Grable Foundation accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.
The Grable Foundation's mission is to enrich the academic, artistic, and social experiences for at-risk youth living in the Alle-Kiski Valley.
Based in Pittsburgh, the Grable Foundation supports community and youth organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania. The foundation reflects the philanthropic philosophy of Erret and Minnie Grable who were strong believers in the importance of education in helping children build productive, self-sustaining, and meaningful lives.
The foundation was founded in 1976 by Minnie Grable after the death of her husband, Errett, a Pittsburgh businessman, and a founder and lifetime director of Rubbermaid Inc., which grew into an international housewares manufacturing company. Erret Grable was active on many community charitable boards until his death in 1959.
During Minnie Grable’s lifetime, the major focus of her personal philanthropy was scholarships to help young people enroll in vocational training. She continued her gifts to the foundation until her death at the age of 100 in December 1990, at which time assets from her estate began to be distributed to the Foundation.
As longtime residents of Pittsburgh, the Grables supported community and youth organizations in southwestern Pennsylvania and were deeply concerned with the welfare of the Pittsburgh region and all its citizens. In particular, the Grables were strong believers in the importance of education in helping children build productive, self-sustaining and meaningful lives.
The Grable Foundation has a significant history with Penn State New Kensington More than 2,000 disadvantaged youth were able to attend the Kids in College program for during the past two decades. These camps focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and the arts
and theatre (STEAM) which integrated science components.
2011 - Hyman Family Foundation
Chancellor Snider presented the award to the Hyman family for its support of the University and the campus during the past three decades. The inscription on the plaque denotes the family's "leadership, support, and assistance in the advancement, growth, and development of Penn State New Kensington and the surrounding communities." Lois Rubin, an officer of the foundation and associate professor of English at the campus, accepted the award on behalf of the foundation.
The Hyman Family Foundation was founded in 1957 by Pittsburgh businessman Samuel Hyman, who was committed to organizations in the fields of higher education, health services, and human services. In the 1920s and early ‘30s, Mr. Hyman lived in the city of New Kensington where he owned movie theatres and founded West Penn Mirror and Glass. After moving to Pittsburgh, he founded and became president of West Penn Realty Company.
Throughout his life, Hyman was passionate about higher education and remained committed to helping New Kensington residents achieve their educational goals. In 1976, he established an annual $5,000 scholarship at Penn State New Kensington that benefitted 10 students each year.
Upon his death in 1977, his daughter Yetta Hyman Elinoff became the trustee of the foundation and continued his ongoing support of the campus. In 1988, she and her husband, Saul Elinoff, endowed the scholarship in honor of her mother, Minnie Hyman, who shared her husband’s education vision for the community.
“Lack of money prevented my grandmother Minnie from finishing her own schooling,” Professor Rubin said. “But she always valued education and would be pleased that funds in her name are being used to help others achieve their goals.”
The Elinoffs continue as trustees of the foundation, which is managed by their daughters Sarah Elinoff Acker and Rubin.
The Hyman endowment provides approximately $4,500 each year for campus students. Eligible students are chosen on the basis of academic promise, leadership qualities, community service and financial need. Since its inception, the endowment has funded scholarships for more than 175 students.
In addition, the foundation has supported the Honors Program, Blissell Library and two campus funds -- Student Loan Fund and Insight Forum Faculty Speaker Series. The student fund is designed to provide assistance to undergraduates for emergencies and books required for their courses. The faculty speaker series fund helps the campus bring in guest speakers who discuss topics that are of interest to the campus and local community.
Penn State New Kensington is part of a University-wide effort to raise private donations to strengthen support for students, faculty and programs. All gifts enhance Penn State’s historic mission of teaching, research and service to society.
2010 - Leed's
Leed's was named the second recipient of Penn State New Kensington's "Corporate Partner of the Year" award Sept. 24 at the Chancellor's Gala at Hill Crest Country Club. Kevin Snider, chancellor of the campus, presented the award to Leed's for its support of the University and the campus during the past five decades. The inscription on the plaque denotes Leed's "leadership, support, and assistance in the advancement, growth, and development of Penn State New Kensington and the surrounding communities. Rob Kyle, director of human resource development, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Leeds, headquartered in New Kensington, is the fourth-largest supplier in the promotional products and advertising specialty industry. The company is located in the Westmoreland County Business and Research Park on state Route 780, about four miles from campus. Leeds has a long history of support for the campus. The company was a corporate partner for the 50th anniversary celebration in 2008 The company hosted the Alle-Kiski Alumni Society's bi-annual alumni breakfast socials in 2007.
2009 - Alcoa
Befitting a partnership that has lasted more than 50 years, Alcoa was named the inaugural recipient of Penn State New Kensington's "Corporate Partner of the Year" award during the Penn State Board of Trustees visit to the campus for its annual summer meeting. Penn State President Graham Spanier presented the award to Alcoa for its support of the University and the campus during the past five decades. The inscription on the plaque denotes Alcoa's "leadership, support, and assistance in the advancement, growth, and development of Penn State New Kensington and the surrounding communities." Jimmy Williams Jr., director of research and development of the defense sector, accepted the award on behalf of the company. Williams' ties to the campus include delivering the commencement address in May to the 2009 spring graduates. Alcoa and Penn State New Kensington have a long history of collaboration. In 1963, the company donated land to Penn State, and three years later, the present Upper Burrell campus opened on the 35-acre parcel. Since then, Alcoa and Penn State have worked together on numerous initiatives, such as scholarships, the virtual nature trail, "green chemistry" and service projects that have benefited the campus and the community. Gifts from Alcoa to the campus have continued throughout the years. In addition to the original 35 acres, Alcoa donated the Arch that stands atop the hill that overlooks the main entrance to the campus. Designed by Henry Noestheden, the aluminum arch has been a campus landmark since 1976. To commemorate the campus’ 30th anniversary in 1988, Alcoa produced a commemorative aluminum tray with the inscription, "Penn State University-New Kensington & Alcoa: Partners in progress for three decades."
GIVING TO PENN STATE
No matter how you give--through corporations and foundations; outright gifts of cash or stocks; or planned giving--you share one important reward with other Penn State supporters: the personal satisfaction from making an investment in the University's future.
To learn more about “Giving to Penn State,” http://giveto.psu.edu/s/1218/start.aspx online.
GIVING ONLINE
If you chose to make a gift to Penn State, you can now do it online. Our secure site ensures that your credit card, along with all other information you submit, will be processed in a safe and protected environment.
To give online, https://secure.imodules.com/s/1218/index.aspx?sid=1218&gid=1&pgid=658&cid=2321
Office of Development
Donna Speer, Director
724-334-6057
dms46@psu.edu
146 Conference Center
Tina Sluss, Staff Assistant
724-334-6056
tms57@psu.edu
Scholarship Students' Profiles