Leitzell Scholarships Will Assist Honor Students, Golfers

February 29, 2000

University Park -- Elizabeth "Libby" Leitzell did not attend Penn State, but she knew the value of a college education. Thanks to her generosity, generations of students attending the University will benefit.

As a resident of the State College and Bellefonte areas since her birth in 1912, Libby Leitzell saw thousands of students work their way to a Penn State degree. In fact, she and her husband, William G. "Bill" Leitzell, owed much of their livelihood to students. Bill, along with his father, brother and brother-in-law, was a partner in the Athletic Store, which from 1925 until the 1960s was the students’ primary outlet for textbooks and other school supplies.

Libby wanted to give something back to the community that had made a good life for her and her husband, a 1933 graduate of the College of the Liberal Arts, who passed away in 1994. That’s why she specified that her estate should be used to endow undergraduate scholarships at the University.

Libby died in 1998, but in making her estate plans, she worked with Penn State officials to create two endowments. Now, arrangements are in place to offer the initial scholarships from both endowments this fall.

The William G. and Elizabeth K. Leitzell Scholarship, endowed with a gift of $518,000, will be used to recruit and recognize academically talented students. The William and Elizabeth Leitzell Men’s Golf Scholarship, endowed with a gift of $259,000, will provide financial assistance to male student-athletes who show special proficiency in golf.

Both the Leitzells were skilled golfers, and Bill won numerous championships at Centre Hills Country Club. Libby spent much of her leisure time there as well, earning a reputation as a champion of proper golf etiquette.

Penn State invests endowed gifts and uses part of the annual income to support programs designated by the donors. Remaining income is returned to the principal, to protect it from inflation and ensure further growth.

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