Hundred percent trustee participation sets stage for campaign launch

Hundred percent trustee participation sets stage for campaign launch

University Park, Pa. — Penn State has achieved 100 percent participation by its Board of Trustees in the forthcoming University-wide capital campaign, Board Chair Steve Garban reported at a meeting of the Trustees today (March 19). Gift commitments from the 32-member board, and past and emeriti Trustees, total $91.3 million.

“The willingness of my fellow board members to lead by example adds tremendous momentum to the upcoming public phase of For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students,” Garban said, noting the campaign is scheduled to launch publicly during the weekend of April 23-25. “Our belief is that the Trustees’ extraordinary commitment will inspire broad participation by alumni and friends in the years ahead.”

Garban singled out Trustee and Penn State alumnus James Broadhurst, who completed a three-year tenure as board chair in January, for special recognition.

“When the campaign’s leadership gifts phase began in 2007, Jim set a goal of 100 percent participation by board members to be achieved prior to the campaign’s public launch,” Garban said. “He knew it would send a powerful message to others in the Penn State community. The success I announce today is largely a result of his leadership.”

The $91.3 million in Trustee giving is likely to go even higher during the campaign’s public phase, Garban added, since a number of board members are considering increasing their commitments.

The top priority of the For the Future campaign is to secure additional scholarship support and other resources that will keep a Penn State education broadly accessible, and prepare students to reach their full potential as leaders in their communities and their professions. The campaign’s dollar goal will be announced during the April kickoff.