Erie college receives $20 million donation

The $20 million donation, which will benefit the School of Business at the college, is the third-largest gift in the history of Penn State, according to a news release. The money will establish graduate and undergraduate scholarships, according to the release.

In addition, the gift will fund library and information technology resources and create three faculty chairs to attract high-quality faculty, according to the release. The donor will designate uses for the additional money at a later time.

"This gift will transform not only our School of Business and Penn State Erie but also the people and businesses of this region who will be touched by our programming," said John Lilley, provost and dean of the college, in the release.

University President Graham Spanier said in the release the gift will allow the School of Business at Penn State Erie become one of the best in the region. "I have referred to Penn State Erie as a 'jewel in the crown of Penn State,' " he said in the release.

The emphasis on student and faculty support is consistent with the focus of the upcoming capital campaign -- a period when the University makes a push for private donations.

"I hope the announcement of this gift will encourage others in the region to give serious consideration and support to Penn State Erie," said Ted Junker, who is both the president of the University Board of Trustees and the chair of the campaign at the college, in the release.

--by Patricia K. Cole