The Paterno Gift

In 1997 Penn State continued to make philanthropic history when Head Football Coach Joe Paterno and his wife, Sue, and their family made a $3.5 million commitment for a variety of academic programs: endowed professorships in the University Libraries and the College of Liberal Arts, a graduate fellowship and a scholarship in liberal arts, and a graduate fellowship in the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. They also directed support to help build a new interfaith spiritual center and the All-Sports Museum , both on the University Park campus. Their current and previous philanthropy, in conjunction with their volunteer service, make the Paternos a unique couple among colleges and universities nationwide.

"We wanted to support areas that have great need and, at the same time, mean something to us personally."-- Sue Paterno

"I've never felt better about Penn State and its future potential than I do now. Sue and I want to do all we can to help the University reach that potential."- -Joe Paterno