FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Sam Bernstine

The award recognizes an individual, couple, or group who has served as fundraising volunteers, teachers, or mentors while demonstrating exceptional commitment and leadership in building philanthropic support for The Pennsylvania State University. 2021 marks the first year that the University is celebrating honorees who represent both University Park and the Commonwealth campuses.

SAM BERNSTINE

Sam Bernstine knows firsthand how important the Commonwealth campuses are in launching successful academic careers and professional lives for so many students, and he has been tireless in his efforts, since his time at Penn State Shenango in the 1970s, to ensure that future generations continue to benefit from the same experience he found at the campus. He has also served with distinction at the University-wide level for many years, and both Penn State Shenango and the College of Health and Human Development are proud to claim him as a former student and current volunteer leader. He began his degree at the campus through the 2+2 option and completed it at University Park. Bernstine has used his Penn State education as the foundation for a career in management consulting, and he currently specializes in operational excellence as a practice leader at Kepner-Tregoe. Despite the demands of this work, he is an active member and previous chair of the Penn State Shenango Advisory Board; the University Park Renaissance Scholarship Board; and the College of Health & Human Development Alumni Society Board. He has also held leadership roles in (and remains an active member of) the Lawrence County chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association (PSAA) and Shenango Alumni Society. With his wife, Pam, he has led Penn State’s fundraising efforts by example with support for several scholarships at Penn State Shenango. His family joined him in supporting the Sam, Pam, Aaron, Ilia, and Dierks Bernstine Open Doors Scholarship, and he has inspired his fellow alumni, advisory board members, and others to contribute to scholarships and other funds. Bernstine believes that those who are grateful for what Penn State has given to them must step up and give back, so the University can continue offering amazing opportunities at all of our campuses.