Penn State Berks announced it has surpassed its $11 million goal established for the University's historic fundraising effort, For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students. The new standard for private support at Penn State Berks?nearly $12.3 million?is part of the University?s record $2.18 billion campaign total.
?We are so grateful for the support and philanthropic spirit of our alumni and many friends and donors who have enabled us to exceed our goal of $11 million,? said R. Keith Hillkirk, Chancellor of Penn State Berks. ?We are excited that the majority of the 12.3 million that has been raised here at Penn State Berks in the For the Future campaign will provide scholarship support for generations of students to come. It is deeply rewarding for myself and all of us at Penn State Berks to be part of such a generous community.?
For the Future is directed toward a shared vision of Penn State as the most comprehensive, student-centered research university in America. The campaign?s top priority is keeping a Penn State degree affordable for students and families.
Of the total raised, $6.7 million has been for scholarships, far exceeding the goal of $5 million. In addition to the creation of vital scholarship endowments, the funds raised to date have supported numerous academic initiatives, cultural and community outreach programs, and activities that enrich educational experiences and contribute to the fulfillment of Penn State Berks? mission of teaching, research and service.
?This community has a tremendous spirit of giving and history of philanthropy,? said David Delozier, Director of Development and Alumni Relations at Penn State Berks. ?We could not have accomplished this historic effort without the help of many people.? The campaign was supported by a group of local fundraising volunteers, led by co-chairs Eugene Curry, a retired Spring Township businessman, and Wyomissing resident Steven Weidman, Senior Vice President at Santander Bank.
Since the launch of For the Future on January 1, 2007, the University has engaged Penn State?s alumni and friends as partners in achieving six key objectives: ensuring access and opportunity for students from every economic background, enhancing honors education and encouraging innovation across the curriculum, enriching the experiences of students beyond the classroom and preparing them for global leadership, building faculty strength and capacity through support for dedicated teachers and scholars, fostering discovery and creativity through interdisciplinary research initiatives, and sustaining the tradition of excellence for which the University has become recognized around the world. The campaign officially closed June 30, 2014.