Private
giving
Penn State Intercom......February
22 , 2001
Faculty, staff asked
to give to University
Dear Colleague:
The
Penn State Faculty and Staff Campaign -- a component of the University's
Grand Destiny capital campaign -- has made good progress in recent years
and continues to build momentum. This week the participation rate is 46.7
percent, compared with 42 percent in February 2000. Faculty and staff
giving is important not only in actual dollars, but also because your
gifts inspire the generosity of Penn State alumni and friends. A few of
your colleagues who are donors will be featured in upcoming issues of
Intercom. 
We invite your continued support in this important effort. You know the strengths of Penn State and know the areas where contributions will make the University even greater. Your gift can be directed to the areas where you choose to give. Information about how University Park campus employees can participate will be distributed by March 31. Other campuses are participating according to their own timetables.
We have only two years remaining to achieve our goals: to increase the generous amount contributed by faculty and staff and also to increase participation rates. Your help is needed to achieve these goals. Please join us in making a better Penn State.
Sincerely,
Gerry and Liz Susman
Couple donates
$250,000 for
MBNA Center
Penn State alumnus Ric Struthers and his wife, Sharon, have committed $250,000 toward the new MBNA Career Services Center, to be built on the University Park campus.
The facility will bring all of the University's career services under one roof.
Ric Struthers is senior vice chairman of Wilmington, Del.-based MBNA America Bank. He graduated from The Smeal College of Business Administration in 1977. He is a member of the Smeal College Board of Visitors and the steering committee of the Grand Destiny Campaign, Penn State's effort to raise $1 billion in private support over seven years.
Groundbreaking for the MBNA Career Services Building is expected to take place this spring. The center will feature more than 40 interview rooms, videoconference interview rooms, program areas and corporate and student service areas. The center also will offer programs specifically designed to enhance career services for Penn State alumni.
Last year, the couple created the Richard and Sharon Struthers Family Scholarship for Penn State students from Wilkes-Barre and Wilmington. The scholarship is intended to help contribute to the diversity of the student body.