In its continuing effort to support student scholars and leaders, the Penn State McKeesport Alumni Society recently pledged $3,000 to Penn State for its endowed scholarship fund.
?This gift was made possible by the hundreds of people who purchased Penn State Creamery Ice Cream at the 2006 International Village and the many blue and white Penn State alums who volunteered to work at our booth,? said Denise Kubli ?00, president of the Society.
The Society has designated 63% of its Creamery Ice Cream sale proceeds of $4,798 for student scholarship support. The remaining funds will be used to support the association?s activities during the coming year. According to Kubli, typical activities include sponsoring a student activity at a local entertainment venue and participation in THON, the Penn State student philanthropy dedicated to wiping out childhood cancers. The Society also participates in community activities such as the American Cancer Society?s Relay for Life and the McKeesport Festival of Trees. This year?s tree theme will be the Nittany Lions? 2006 Orange Bowl victory.
Since its formation in the 1980s, the Society has contributed almost $61,000 to the University, including $29,820 for scholarships, $27,000 for capital improvements, and $3,536 for the Four Diamonds Cancer Fund.
Each year, interest from the Society?s endowed scholarship fund is designated for student scholarships. Last spring, $2,750 was awarded to students who qualified based on their academic records and community involvement. The 2006-07 Alumni Society Scholars are Joshua Stover, Courtney Ely-Denberg, Michael Porter, Kacie Thomas, Crystal Carroll and Mariam Salisu.
Scholarship support is important to student Courtney Ely-Denburg, the current president of the Student Government Association. ?I am able to spend more time studying and in SGA service without worrying as much about financial restraints,? he said.
Another annual project on the Society?s agenda is the Breakfast with Santa program, which recently received a Penn State Alumni Association award for excellence. In the 18 years of its existence, the breakfast has provided approximately 1,500 children from local social service agencies with special memories.
Alumni interested in getting involved are welcome to attend meetings and events. Individuals are encouraged to contact the campus at 412-675-9048 or http://www.mk.psu.edu/ for more information.
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