Couple’s gift to support energy, environmental mission of University

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State alumnus Ron del Papa and his wife, Kathy, have created an estate gift that will benefit the Institutes of Energy and the Environment (IEE). The purpose of IEE is to help build and support interdisciplinary teams of researchers across Penn State’s colleges and campuses who are solving some of the world’s most challenging energy and environmental challenges. These teams are working to improve the lives of people locally and globally through innovations that produce outcomes such as clean water, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture and carbon capture technology.

“Ron and Kathy’s vision and generosity are extraordinary,” said Tom Richard, IEE director. “This gift will accelerate the momentum we have established over the past two decades, driving forward the discovery and innovation required for meaningful and effective solutions. We are very grateful that Ron and Kathy recognize the power of interdisciplinary research to meet this critical need.”

Ron said that in selecting IEE for their gift, he and Kathy are looking to support the creation of a meaningful and resilient world.

“It became apparent in discussion with Tom Richard that IEE was looking at systems and how to address challenges in those systems with a very similar vision as mine,” said Ron. “The last few years have been a time of great stress around the world. Penn State has done well during this stress test, demonstrating the resilience and commitment needed for the challenges ahead.  We are pleased to be able to help support the Institutes of Energy and the Environment for the global reset ahead.”

Ron graduated from Penn State in 1977 with his bachelor of science degree in physics. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Ron worked as a systems engineer and a project manager with multiple organizations, including regulatory testing, broadband antenna design and support for the U.S. Navy. He then shifted into systems integration work in roles ranging from systems engineer to operations manager on projects for the U.S. Navy, NASA, and the other international customers.

Kathy worked in health care, including 14 years as a hospice volunteer.

The couple has been married for nearly 40 years and live together in San Diego.

The del Papa gift will advance "A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence," a focused campaign that seeks to elevate Penn State’s position as a leading public university in a world defined by rapid change and global connections. With the support of alumni and friends, “A Greater Penn State” seeks to fulfill the three key imperatives of a 21st-century public university: keeping the doors to higher education open to hardworking students regardless of financial well-being; creating transformative experiences that go beyond the classroom; and impacting the world by serving communities and fueling discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. To learn more about “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence,” visit greaterpennstate.psu.edu.