The Schreyer Gift

In the fall of 2006, Penn State 's Schreyer Honors College received a $25 million gift commitment from its namesakes, William and Joan Schreyer, to support scholarships and other student and faculty programs.

The Schreyers endowed the college at its founding in 1997 with a $30 million gift. Together with support for other Penn State initiatives, their total philanthropic commitment to Penn State now exceeds $58 million.

William A. Schreyer is chairman emeritus of Merrill Lynch & Co. and a trustee emeritus of the University. A Williamsport native, he graduated from Penn State in 1948. Joan L. Schreyer, a Buffalo native, was named an Honorary Alumna of Penn State in 1991.

In 1997, William Schreyer said the couple endowed the honors college "to attract students from all walks of life to Penn State , and nurture and inspire responsible citizenship and a global perspective among students."

Today, he described that endowment as "the best investment Joan and I have ever made. It's given many Penn State students the opportunity to both see and serve the world. We are thrilled with the character and creativity of the students we meet at the honors college. They make us Penn State proud every day and will be the future leaders of society."

"Joan and I have great confidence in Penn State and -- yes, I must say it -- we are bullish about its future. We hope our gift today inspires others to express their generosity to the University in the next campaign." --William Schreyer