PENN STATE Shenango campus tops goal with $4.3M

Renovations and scholarships are being financed through the campaign.
SHARON, Pa. -- Penn State Shenango has exceeded its goal in the university's Grand Destiny Campaign, raising $4.3 million in private support for the local campus.
The goal had been $4 million, said Steve Hessmann, director of institutional advancement and alumni relations.
"All monies raised by the campus stay in our community, benefiting our students, faculty and friends," Hessmann said. "We are extremely encouraged by the high level of support for Shenango. It's a nice endorsement of the work we do in our area."
When it began
The campaign began as party of a universitywide fund drive in 1996 and ended a week ago. The total Grand Destiny Campaign raised $1.3 billion for the university.
"We are grateful to the more 900 Penn State alumni, friends, faculty and staff for their generosity," said Paul Chadderton, chairman of the Penn State Shenango fund drive.
The money is being used for a variety of purposes, including creating 25 new campus scholarships and new student and teaching recognition awards.
It also created the first endowed lectureship, The Greenberger Family Memorial Lectureship, which annually features renowned speakers.
Upgrades
Improvements to the campus library and classrooms and equipment upgrades were also financed through the fund drive, Chadderton said.
"The campaign has allowed us to undertake some tremendous projects at the campus," said Dr. Thomas J. Rookey, campus executive officer.
The renovation of the library, bookstore and learning center is the largest capital project in the campus's 38-year history, he said.
New campus resources also provide a direct benefit for children in the community, Rookey said, noting that the campus College for Kids Summer Program is able to offer scholarships to children who might otherwise be unable to attend a positive learning experience.