Richards Civil War Era Center on target for fundraising challenge

University Park, Pa. -- When the National Endowment for the Humanities awarded Penn State's George and Ann Richards Civil War Era Center a $1 million grant in 2005, it challenged the University to raise an additional $3 million by the spring of 2009. To date, halfway through the challenge period, $1.3 million has been committed, including three major gifts totaling $700,000. All funds are to further the center's mission.

Ted and Tracy Winfree McCourtney of Katonah, N.Y., directed their gift toward graduate student support. Tracy Winfree McCourtney is a 1965 Penn State graduate. She and her husband have previously supported undergraduates and faculty in the College of the Liberal Arts.

Another gift came from Penn State alumnus Al Lord of McLean, Va., a member of the class of 1967, who says he developed a passion for the study of the Civil War era years ago, so supporting the center was a natural fit for his philanthropy.

The addition of a third major gift, from alumnus Lew Gold and his wife, Karen, of Philadelphia, enabled the center to meet its fundraising goal for year two of the NEH challenge.

"Penn State is a large and diverse institution," said Lew Gold, a 1959 graduate of the University who is also the outgoing president of the Penn State Alumni Association. "It can be hard to know where to start when choosing among worthwhile programs to support. By focusing on one area, such as this renowned center, we are supporting the advancement of its mission and Penn State as a whole."

The Richards Civil War Era Center is a preeminent academic base for the study not only of the Civil War itself, but also of the social, political, cultural and economic aspects of the 19th century. It serves scholarly pursuits for undergraduate and graduate students, provides training and resources for secondary school educators, and serves as a place where experts from around the country share and expand their research and findings.

Among its many programs, the center hosts the Steven and Janice Brose Distinguished Lecture and Book Series, funded by Steven and Janice Brose of Washington, D.C., which has resulted in groundbreaking publications about the era. It also facilitates hands-on experience for students through internships, funded by alumni such as Larry and Lynne Brown of Philadelphia. Both the Browns and Broses also have contributed to the NEH challenge. Steven Brose is a 1969 Penn State graduate.

"Ten years ago, the Civil War era center was just an idea," said William Blair, director and professor of history. "Nearly a decade later, with considerable financial support from alumni, we now have a vibrant center committed to producing new research and sharing those findings with the public through teacher programs and collaborations with historical societies. Penn State is now considered the place to study this critical era in the history of our country."

For more information about the Richards Center visit http://www.richardscenter.psu.edu online.