Bernstine Family Endows $30K at Penn State Shenango

SHARON, Pa. – The Bernstine family made a $30,000 family contribution to Penn State University to establish the Sam, Pam, Aaron, Ilia and Dierks Bernstine Open Doors Scholarship at its Shenango campus.

The donation is part of the PSU-wide campaign “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence” and will leverage a two-to-one PSU match, increasing the fund to $90,000.

The Open Doors Programs were initiated to help students overcome the obstacles of earning a Penn State degree. In an effort to expand access and affordability, Penn State has created a number of programs, such as the Complete Penn State Program, to help students with unexpected financial hardships. When situations arise, like a parent’s illness or job loss, this program will provide aid and assistance to students to help them complete their degrees.

“We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors, like the Bernstine family, who invest in the education of our students,” said Penn State Shenango director of development Allison Engstrom. “The Shenango campus couldn’t be more appreciative of their support, and now, every year, students will benefit from their Open Doors Scholarship.”

This gift will advance “A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence,” a focused campaign that seeks to elevate Penn State’s position as a leading public university in a world defined by rapid change and global connections. With the support of alumni and friends, “A Greater Penn State” seeks to fulfill the three key imperatives of a 21st-century public university: keeping the doors to higher education open to hardworking students regardless of financial well-being; creating transformative experiences that go beyond the classroom; and impacting the world by fueling discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship.

“As a family, we deeply appreciate Penn State’s long history and tradition for providing academic opportunities for students from all economic and social backgrounds,” Sam Bernstine said. “It is our hope that this scholarship will provide deserving students with the opportunity to achieve their dreams and to contribute to bettering our community.”

Pictured: Sam, Pam, Dierks, Ilia and Aaron Bernstine.

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