Kucharskis Create College Of Education Scholarship

12-18-97
University Park, Pa.-Penn State alumni Barbara Nardi Kucharski and David Kucharski of Davidson, N.C., have made a gift of $50,000 to the University. The couple's gift will establish a new academic excellence scholarship in the College of Education.

When activated, the Barbara and David Kucharski Academic Excellence Scholarship in Education will annually recognize a financially needy undergraduate student who has the potential to be an outstanding educator. Priority will be given to students whose academic records are impressive, but who are not necessarily ranked at the top of their class.

Barbara Kucharski is a 1970 graduate in secondary education, and formerly worked as a guidance counselor with the DuBois School District, in Pennsylvania. David Kucharski is a 1970 graduate in engineering, and vice president of the Specialty Graphite Business Unit for the SGL Carbon Corporation in Charlotte, N.C., which is also helping fund the scholarship through its gift matching program.

"Like most people, we have both been influenced by good teachers, and understand the important role an effective educator can play in children's lives," Barbara Kucharski said. "In my case, a rewarding career in education has given me a view from both sides."

Added David Kucharski, "It is our hope that, by establishing a scholarship in the College of Education, future generations will continue to benefit from inspiring educators."

The couple has two daughters, one of whom, Andrea, is a senior in the College of Education at Penn State.

**gwc**

Contact: Gary Cramer (814) 863-4512 (office) gwc104@psu.edu