The University's Athletic Department will receive the majority of a $2.75 million endowment from the estate of an alumnus.

Raymond N. Shibley, a 1947 graduate and patent attorney who died last July, made the endowment to be used for student-athletes' scholarships and for general University scholarships, said David Gearhart, senior vice president for development and University relations.

Shibley designated one-third of the funds to Penn State's wrestling program, another one-third to men's basketball, one-sixth to women's basketball and another one-sixth to the general scholarship fund. Shibley lettered in wrestling while at Penn State.

"He was an absolutely wonderful Penn Stater who deeply loved this place," Gearhart said.

Wrestling Coach John Fritz said the endowment will benefit all athletic teams since it will redirect funds the University would have used for wrestling. The Nittany Lion Club, which raises money for all athletic scholarships every year, will now only have to raise money for half of the wrestling scholarships, he added. The endowment will fund the other half.

During his time at Penn State, Shibley was a well-respected wrestler and was known by many alumni members of the team, Fritz said.

Athletic Director Tim Curley expressed his gratitude for Shibley's generosity.

"Ray had a long association and deep affection for our athletic program, which dated back to his days as a varsity wrestler," Curley said in a news release. "Through this generous gift, he has provided us with the opportunity to continue our tradition of excellence of which he was so proud."

This is not the first endowment Shibley gave Penn State. Throughout his life, he gave more than $622,000 to the University, which helped establish 12 permanent student scholarships in philosophy, theater and for the Penn State Blue Band.

Shibley was a well-known figure among administrators and faculty members, Gearhart said. He was a member of the National Executive Committee which raised $352 million for a University's capital campaign that raises annual gifts for the University.

Shibley also established scholarships in memory of his late parents and wife and worked on fundraising committees for the Bryce Jordan Convocation Center and the Paterno Library addition.