Raise Penn State

Celebrating the impact of generosity at Penn State.

10/08/2026

A $1 million+ gift from Penn State alumni Craig and Heidi Ritter will establish and endow the Ritter O’Brien Excellence Fund at Penn State Harrisburg.

For the Ritters, Penn State Harrisburg represents both their alma mater and the central Pennsylvania community they call home. Their connection to the campus grew over the years through their work with students and graduates, and after meeting scholarship recipients, they saw firsthand what the campus means to students who value the opportunity to earn a Penn State degree close to home.

The new fund will primarily provide need-based scholarships for undergraduate students, with additional support for student research, athletics, international travel and student organizations.

The Ritters’ continued generosity reflects their belief in the opportunities Penn State Harrisburg provides and their commitment to helping students thrive.

Thank you, Craig and Heidi, for investing in Penn State students and helping Penn State Harrisburg continue to grow and serve its community. 💙

10/07/2026

Please join us in celebrating James “Jay” M. Weitzel and John and Mary Furniss, Penn State’s 2026 Fundraising Volunteers of the Year! 💙🤍

Through their generosity, leadership, and dedication to Penn State, Jay, John, and Mary have helped to create opportunities for students and strengthen the University community.

Jay has been a longtime supporter of Penn State Greater Allegheny, where he has helped to lead fundraising efforts and supported students through the Jay and Kim Weitzel Trustee Scholarship. John and Mary have spent years supporting the Eberly College of Science through their Open Doors Scholarship in addition to offering student mentorship and connecting alumni and donors with the college’s work.

Each of their commitment is a great example of the many ways Penn Staters can give back — and the impact that can come from sharing your time, talents, and generosity.

Thank you, Jay, John, and Mary, for all you do for Penn State and its students. 💙

10/05/2026

Suddenly, doing laundry feels very urgent 🧺🫧

10/02/2026

From his time as a Penn State student to a career that took him from CBS to becoming the founding president of The Disney Channel and Disney Home Video, James Jimirro has continued to carry his Penn State experience with him.

Now, the distinguished alumnus is giving back once again. Jimirro has committed $1.5 million to support the School of Theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture and to rename the Playhouse Theatre as the James P. and AJ Jimirro Playhouse Theatre.

A 1958 graduate, Jimirro has remained connected to Penn State throughout the many chapters of his career. From supporting communications and thoughtful dialogue to now supporting the School of Theatre, he has continued to find meaningful ways to give back to the University that helped shape his own journey.

The gift will provide student scholarships, faculty support, and funding for professional development while also helping to enhance spaces within the Playhouse Theatre.

For Jimirro, theater has always been a meaningful part of his life. His latest gift brings that passion back to Penn State, creating opportunities for students to explore their own creativity and pursue their passions in the arts.

Thank you, Jim, for continuing to invest in Penn State and our students. 💙

09/29/2026

Our community is always writing new Penn State chapters—and we're grateful for every one. 💙

09/28/2026

Back to reality we go... 😶

09/24/2026

Excited is an understatement 💙🤍 Welcome back, Penn State alumni!

09/22/2026

Fall has officially arrived! 🍁🦁 We’re looking forward to another season of Penn State memories.

09/18/2026

If you needed a little pick-me-up today, here it is. 🏈💙

09/17/2026

From Old Main to wherever life takes you, some things always bring you home. 💙

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