Purpose
Penn State’s volunteer fundraisers are invaluable partners in fulfilling the University’s land-grant mission of education, research, and service. Private gifts from alumni and friends enrich the experiences of students both in and out of the classroom; expand the research and teaching capacity of our faculty; enhance the University’s ability to recruit and retain top students and faculty; and help to ensure that students from every economic background have access to a Penn State education. The Principal Gifts Committee of the Penn State Advisory Council on Philanthropy is essential as we continue this mission.
The Principal Gifts Committee consists of volunteer leaders, whose philanthropic investment in the University has achieved Laurel Circle status, or who have plans to be a member in the near future. These volunteers will have ties across the University, and will possess the vast experience and knowledge that will help us to become an even greater and more effective organization. Members provide guidance through their philanthropy, service, skills, networking, knowledge, and strategic business acumen.
Key responsibilities of the Executive Committee include:
- Personal philanthropy to The Pennsylvania State University among your top 2-3 philanthropic priorities.
- Serve as a member for the duration of A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence, anticipated to conclude on June 30, 2021. Upon conclusion, reevaluate volunteer role.
- Act as an ambassador for Penn State by being an advocate for enhancing the culture of philanthropy both within and outside of the University.
- Communicate the campaign imperatives, goals, and themes to alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations.
- Assist in the recruitment, counsel, and mentoring of current volunteers, at all levels.
- Make an unrestricted annual contribution at the President’s Club level or higher.
- Make a significant gift commitment to the campaign, commensurate with your financial ability, which will inspire others.
- Assist the University leadership and staff in the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of top-level individual, corporate, and foundation prospects at the $5 million + level, as appropriate.
- Attend two regularly-scheduled Principal Gifts Committee meetings (one in the fall, the other in the spring) and participate in additional meetings, including conference calls, as necessary.
- Host and participate in additional University-wide events as personal schedule allows.
- Assist in the University’s efforts to steward alumni and friends.
Art Nagle ('61 LIB)
Committee Chair
Email Art
Rob Jackson
Assistant Vice President of Principal Gifts
Email Rob
Eric Reinhard
Director of Campaign Imperatives
Email Eric
Upcoming Meetings