The Black Gift
The month of March 1997 witnessed the announcement of several landmark gifts. Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, recorded the third-largest gift in the University's history when it announced a $20 million commitment to its School of Business from a donor who then wished to remain anonymous.
In 2003, after more than five years of anonymity, Penn State Erie publicly recognized the $20 million estate gift given by insurance entrepreneur Sam Black and his wife, Irene, and announced the naming of the Sam and Irene Black School of Business.
The $20 million gift provides immediate and long-term benefits in scholarship aid, academic quality, and innovation, according to Dr. Jack Burke, campus executive officer and dean. The gift was recorded in 1998, and funds were disbursed this spring following the deaths of Sam Black in December 2001 and Irene Black in May 2002. It is the third largest gift in the history of Penn State.
"This gift will significantly enhance the scope of what we are able to offer our best and brightest students. It 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."
- John M. Lilley, former provost and dean,
Penn State Erie