The Pennsylvania State University Gift Planning Advisory Council

Penn State's Gift Planning Advisory Council is comprised of alumni, volunteers, donors and faculty/staff that are from various areas of the country and have diverse backgrounds both professionally and personally, but they have common characteristics – their shared interest in advancing Penn State University, they are committed to advancing our mission, and they are exceptional leaders.  Many of the members have backgrounds in law, professional accounting, trusts, tax, financial planning and wealth management.

Mission Statement

The role of the Gift Planning Advisory Council members is to assist Penn State in the areas of promotion, education, and technical assistance with planned giving.  Further, the advisory council is to provide a forum for networking and support among professionals, through formal meetings and informal relationships.  The Penn State Gift Planning Advisory Council seeks to increase awareness of the Atherton Society and the University’s critical need for long-term planning through the thoughtful creation of structured or deferred gifts like wills, trusts, real estate, and other gifts beyond outright gifts.

Goals and Objectives

• Members act as advocates by keeping informed of the mission and fundraising priorities at Penn State and actively disseminating that information, at every opportunity, within the community at large.
• Help shape and endorse strategic directions of the Penn State Office of Development and Alumni Relations.
• Know and tell the Penn State story, including the past reliance and future need of structured and planned gifts.
• Provide a network of alliances and enabling resources.
• Assist in hosting and/or planning networking and educational events to actively promote awareness of the need for structured and planned non-cash gifts.
• Provide industry and donor perspective on positive ways to engage, educate and steward current and future Atherton Society members.
• Provide expertise and mentor the Office of Gift Planning on strategic initiatives.
• Analyze internal issues and provide an external perspective.
• Help keep staff current on legislation, which may impact philanthropy to higher education.