Penn State recognizes Junker, PNC Financial Services Group for philanthropic leadership

University Park, Pa. -- Penn State has recognized University alumnus and Board of Trustees member Edward P. "Ted" Junker III and The PNC Financial Services Group for their special efforts to the University's fundraising initiatives.

Junker, of Erie, received the Fundraising Volunteer of the Year award. Pittsburgh-based PNC, a diversified financial services company and the largest bank headquartered in Pennsylvania, was named Corporate Partner of the Year.

"We are privileged to honor a friend and fellow Penn Stater who has helped us to pioneer new programs and services for the communities we serve, and a corporate partner that shares the University's commitment to the people of Pennsylvania," said James Broadhurst, chairman of the University's Board of Trustees.

Junker has played a leadership role in many University-wide fundraising efforts. He was a member of both the executive and steering committees for the Grand Destiny campaign, which concluded in 2003 after raising $1.37 billion, and he has continued his involvement through targeted fundraising initiatives over the last four years. In June, he stepped down as chair of the Penn State Milton S. Hershey fundraising committee, having led the Medical Center to its best year ever in 2006-07.

He and his late wife, Barbara, have been especially supportive of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The college's Junker Center is named in recognition of their generosity.

"No one's career as a Penn State volunteer has taught me more about the nature of leadership and philanthropy than Ted Junker's," said Peter Tombros, who chairs the University's current capital campaign, launched Jan. 1. "And Ted is a master of follow-through and follow-up. If he says he'll do it, it's done."

Junker is a 1959 graduate of Penn State and spent his career in the banking industry, retiring in 1997 as vice chairman of PNC Bank Corp. He has served as a University Trustee since 1986 and was board chair 1998-2000.

Penn State President Graham Spanier noted that as a PNC executive, Junker played a key role in developing the partnership between the financial services firm and the University.

"The strong relationship between PNC and Penn State is one of Ted's many triumphs as a volunteer, an example of his remarkable ability to bring people and organizations together," said Spanier.

PNC has been in the forefront in supporting some of the most important initiatives in Penn State's history, including the construction of the Bryce Jordan Center, the creation of the College of Information Sciences and Technology and the campaign for the Children's Hospital at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

"PNC and Penn State retain common values, and a belief that integrity and excellence can and should go hand in hand," noted Broadhurst.

James E. Rohr, PNC's chairman and chief executive officer, said, "We are very pleased and honored to receive this recognition from an institution as strong and respected as Penn State. Our two organizations have built a special partnership-one that reflects the unwavering commitment we share to enrich and enliven the communities we serve."

The company employs more than 500 Penn State alumni and maintains an ongoing recruitment program at the University. Penn State and PNC have forged a mutually important business alliance, allowing students, alumni, and visitors to access PNC ATMs on 18 Penn State campuses. Since 2002, PNC and Penn State have also collaborated on the i.d.+ program, which allows members of the Penn State community to access free PNC checking accounts with their University identification cards.

The Fundraising Volunteer of the Year and Corporate Partner of the Year awards are presentations of the Office of University Development.