This report is dedicated to you, the people who support IUP. But it’s also about all of us—our shared commitment to our university and the bright future we are building together.
This 2023-24 IUP Donor Report highlights the incredible generosity of our donors, whose contributions directly impact our students’ lives and our university’s future. We are thankful for the support that makes our mission of providing a first-class education to every student at IUP possible.
The gifts featured in this report are not just numbers; they represent stories of individuals, families, and organizations dedicated to our students’ success. You will find profiles of students whose academic journeys have been transformed by these donations, along with inspiring stories about why some of our donors chose to give and how their gifts are making a difference. These gifts enable IUP to offer resources and opportunities that help students thrive and achieve their dreams.
On behalf of the entire IUP community, I express our sincere thanks to all of our donors. As we begin celebrating our 150th anniversary in 2025, we know your generosity ensures that IUP remains a place where students receive the support they need to succeed and excel––and that we have a bright future because of it.
Michael A. Driscoll, Indiana University of Pennsylvania President
In August 1870, a prophecy appeared in a local Indiana, Pa. newspaper, foreshadowing the significant impact that the creation of a normal school would have on the region.
“…Arithmetic cannot fully express the advantages which our County would derive from a school of this kind…Every hamlet and village would feel its influence.” The normal school we now know as IUP was founded shortly thereafter, and for nearly 150 years, its influence1 has been felt not only in Indiana County, but in local communities across Pennsylvania, and indeed, around the world. Rithmetic cannot fully express the advantages which our County would derive from a school of this kind…Every hamlet and village would feel its influence.”1
Looking forward, IUP is once again well-positioned to create significant positive impact within the Commonwealth. With the exploration of establishing a college of osteopathic medicine (COM), IUP has assumed a leading role in addressing a critical shortage of physicians within the state, especially in rural areas. This pioneering effort brings the prospect of raising not only the quality of healthcare, but also the overall quality of life, in these communities. The COM will also generate new and exciting cross-disciplinary opportunities across campus that will further enhance the university’s already exemplary academic and extracurricular offerings.
As we prepare to celebrate IUP’s sesquicentennial and look forward to the next 150 years, we at the foundation would like to thank you, our donors, for the significant impact you create in helping us assist IUP in fulfilling its mission.
James C. Leda ’95
President, Foundation for IUP Board of Directors
1. Cashdollar, Charles D. (2021). The IUP Story; From Normal School to University. The Foundation for Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Milestone Generosity
The university community is grateful for the following donors who have given gifts that totaled $25,000 or more to the Foundation for IUP between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024.
Stephen Abel ’73, gifts to support the IUP Veterans Assistance Fund, IUP Student Food Pantry, History Department Enhancement Fund, Fund for IUP, Alumni Office, College of Education and Communications Dean’s Innovative Fund, College of Arts and Humanities Dean’s Innovation Fund, History Department Enhancement Fund, Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean’s Innovation Fund, Geography and Regional Planning Department Enhancement Fund, Army ROTC Fund, the Baseball Team, and Northpointe Dean’s Innovation Fund.
Addison Gibson Foundation, a gift to support the Addison Gibson Foundation Scholarship to benefit continuing students who reside in western Pennsylvania.
Sharon Albert, gifts to the Dr. P. Michael Kosicek Memorial Student Experience Fund to enhance the experiences of students enrolled in the Eberly College of Business.
Jay Althouse ’73, M’75, a gift to support the Music Department Enhancement Fund.
Anonymous, a gift to establish the A. Daniel Bilko Memorial Scholarship to support dual enrolled students from Cambria Heights, Bishop Carroll, Central Cambria, or Penn Cambria high schools.
Anonymous, a planned gift to support the Fund for IUP to benefit the greatest needs of the university.
Anonymous, a gift to establish the Global Conservation Initiatives Enhancement Fund.
Anonymous, a gift to support men’s basketball and football scholarships.
Anonymous, gifts to support the Crimson Scholars Circle and Diversity and Inclusion.
Thomas Baker ’05 and Dilini Pinnaduwage, a gift to establish the Tom Baker Scholarship for Research to encourage students in either chemistry or biochemistry to apply for a Research Experience for Undergraduates.
Charles Baltzer ’53, a planned gift to establish the Charles and Margaret Baltzer Memorial Scholarship to support students enrolled full-time pursuing an education degree or certificate with a preference for students that are active-duty military personnel, veterans, or the children of active-duty military personnel or veterans.
Jane Miller Banks ’56, a gift to support the Jane Miller Banks ECOB Scholarship to benefit full-time business majors who graduated from a Pennsylvania high school and have reached junior standing.
Robert Basehore ’71 and Kathie Kuvinka Basehore ’71, gifts to support the Fund for IUP, Robert W. Basehore, Jr. and Kathie Kuvinka Basehore Athletic Scholarship, and the creation of a college of osteopathic medicine.
Beaumont Foundation of America and C Edward Keller ’74 and Judy Keller, a gift to support the C. Edward Keller Scholarship benefitting students pursuing a degree in criminology.
Jeffrey Bobich ’93, a gift to support the creation of the college of osteopathic medicine.
Victor Campbell III ’68, a gift to establish the Victor H. Campbell III Scholarship to support students enrolled full-time who are residents of Cameron County in good academic standing.
Richard Caruso ’83, a gift to support the creation of the college of osteopathic medicine.
Chevron Corporation, gifts to support the Safety Science Enhancement Fund.
Linda Deitman, a gift to support the Linda Drummond Deitman Scholarship for Culinary Arts benefitting students enrolled in the Academy of Culinary Arts in good academic standing with a preference for students from Armstrong, Indiana, or Jefferson County.
Vito DonGiovanni ’72, M’75, D’88 and Donna Dellafiora DonGiovanni ’74, M’79, a gift to establish the Eleanora Dellafiora and Sandra E. Dellafiora Memorial Scholarship to support full-time students pursuing an undergraduate major offered by the Department of Music.
Michael Driscoll, gifts to support the creation of the college of osteopathic medicine, the Fund for IUP, and the Sutton Scholarship.
Glenn Fitzgerald ’69, a gift to the Kathleen Rankin Fitzgerald Scholarship for Elementary Education and the Glenn Fitzgerald Scholarship for Natural Science.
The Estate of Peggy Cox Frankenfield ’49, a gift to support the Sutton Scholarship.
IUP Alumni Association, a gift to support the creation of a college of osteopathic medicine.
CJ Jaynes ’79, M’82, a gift to establish the Rear Admiral CJ Jaynes Scholarship for Veterans in STEM.
James Leda ’95 and Leslie Vanderhoof Leda ’98, a gift to establish the James and Leslie Leda Career Readiness and Job Placement Endowment.
Mary Leisher Leipheimer ’66, a planned gift to support the Mary Louise Leipheimer Scholarship for Teacher Education to benefit junior and senior teacher education majors within all colleges.
Leonard A and Mary Jane Schafer Foundation, a gift to support the Fund for the IUP Libraries and the Student Assistance Fund to benefit student with financial needs.
Meredith Light, a gift and planned gift to support the Culinary Academy.
The Estate of Charlotte Lohman, a gift to establish the Francis J. and Charlotte H. Lohman Memorial Scholarship to benefit students with financial need.
David Moore ’82 and Karole Scurci Moore ’83, a gift to establish the Tim Moore Memorial Scholarship to support students enrolled full-time in the Eberly College of Business.
Michele Wippich Norwood M’92, a gift to establish the Michele Norwood Professional Development for Student Success Initiatives to benefit the IUP Navigators.
Richard F. Polaski ’72 and Linda Tobias Polaski ’73, a planned gift to establish the Richard F. Polaski and Linda Tobias Polaski Scholarship for Medical Technology and the Richard F. Polaski and Linda Tobias Polaski Scholarship which benefits students enrolled full-time with preferences for residents of Elk County and students pursuing a degree in computer science.
Punxsutawney Area College Trust, a gift to support the Department of Culinary Arts Student Scholarship and the Punxsutawney Campus.
The Estate of Betty Parsons Pytlik ’60, a gift to establish the Sara Elizabeth Leader Parsons Scholarship to benefit students pursuing an undergraduate teacher education major or certificate with a preference to students who graduated from Mt. Union Senior High School.
Ruth Riesenman ’64, a planned gift to support the Dr. Ruth A. Riesenman Scholarship benefitting undergraduate students enrolled in the Robert E. Cook Honors College.
Robert and Nellie Reynolds Fund, a gift through the Pittsburgh Foundation to the Student General Scholarship Fund.
Thomas Schott ’72 and Virginia Schott, a gift to establish the Thomas and Virginia Schott Social Studies Scholarship to benefit students enrolled full-time pursuing a social studies education degree with preference to students first from Elk County then from Clearfield County.
Matthew Schroeder ’91 and Stacy Schroeder, a gift to establish the ECOB Student Support Fund to provide financial support to students enrolled in courses offered through the Eberly College of Business to help those experiencing emergency needs or needing further assistance to continue their education.
Marilyn Silvey, a gift to support the Bedford John "BJ" Silvey Sr. Scholarship to benefit full-time students at IUP with a preference for first-generation college students.
Frederick Streams ’55, a gift to support the Dr. Fred ’55 and Hazel ’55 Streams Scholarship to benefit undergraduate students enrolled full-time pursuing a major in secondary education in natural sciences or early childhood/special education.
Primo Toccafondi ’62 and Patricia Kurtz Toccafondi ’63, a gift to establish the Toccafondi-Kurtz Scholarship to benefit continuing students enrolled full-time pursuing an education degree or teaching certificate.
Rolando Toccafondi ’65 and Barbara Toccafondi, a gift to establish the Toccafondi-Kurtz Scholarship to benefit continuing students enrolled full-time pursuing an education degree or teaching certificate.
United Commercial Travelers Council 598, a gift to establish the United Commercial Travelers Council 598 Donald B. Townsend Memorial Scholarship to benefit juniors and seniors pursuing a major, minor, or certificate in Special Education or Early Childhood/Special Education. Preference is given to students that reside in and graduated from a high school within Indiana County and for students actively student teaching.
Cynthia Vallina ’82, a planned gift supporting IUP Women’s Rugby, the Foreign Language Study Abroad Scholarship, the Political Science Department Memorial and Enhancement Fund, and the Enhancing IUP Endowment.
Proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM)
IUP chose to explore a proposed college of osteopathic medicine based on several factors, including the critical need for rural health care: there are not enough trained physicians to provide care to Pennsylvania’s citizens: the ratio of patients to available primary care physicians is 1,367 to 1, according to the United Health Foundation.
There are only three colleges of osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania, all at private universities; IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine would be the only college of osteopathic medicine at a public university.
National studies show that graduates from programs of osteopathic medicine are more likely to pursue primary care in rural and underserved areas—57 percent of all doctors of osteopathic medicine practice as general practitioners, and more than 20 percent of DO graduates practice in rural areas.
Demand is high for osteopathic medicine training: in 2021, 22,708 applicants competed for 8,280 seats at schools of osteopathic medicine.
IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine continues to draw support from individual donors, foundations, and legislators:
• Rich Caruso '83, a 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, former president of the Foundation for IUP Board of Directors, and current board member, announced a pledge of $1 million for the project;
• IUP graduates Nick Jacobs '69, M'72 and Mary Ann Hoysan Jacobs '68, M'93 donated $40,000 to advance the project. Nick Jacobs is a 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient;
• Jeffrey Bobich '93, pledged $50,000;
• Senator Joe Pittman announced that as part of the 2023–24 state budget, $2 million was set aside for IUP’s new college of osteopathic medicine. These new dollars are an investment above and beyond what IUP receives in the budget and will be used largely to support the operations at the start of the medical school;
• IUP’s Alumni Association Board of Directors authorized a donation of $500,000;
• The Board of Governors allocated $500,000 for a facilities feasibility study for academic facilities for IUP’s health sciences cluster and proposed college of osteopathic medicine;
• IUP received a $150,000 allocation for the project in the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2024, which was sponsored by Congressman Reschenthaler and Senator Fetterman and signed into law by President Joe Biden;
• Senator John Fetterman included $2 million for IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine project on his list to advance in the FY25 Community Project Funding process;
• Congressman Guy Reschenthaler included $2 million for IUP’s project among his FY25 requested community projects;
• The Foundation for IUP has committed $20 million toward the project; and
• IUP graduates Tim Cejka '73 and Debra Phillips Cejka '73 gifted $2 million.
The hiring of a founding dean was one of the first steps in establishing the college. In November 2023, Miko Rose was hired as the founding dean of the proposed college of osteopathic medicine. Ryan Smith joined the team in July 2024 as the founding associate dean of clinical affairs, responsible for overseeing the clinical curricular areas of the doctor of osteopathic medicine program, including developing clinical training agreements.
Luke H. Mortensen was hired in August 2024 as associate dean of preclinical affairs, responsible for overseeing the pre-clinical curricular areas of the program.
Securing clinical training sites for students is part of the successful accreditation process. Typically, students in colleges of osteopathic medicine spend the first two years of their education in the classroom; during the third and fourth years, students are based in the community at clinical sites. IUP signed its first clinical training affiliation agreement with Punxsutawney Area Hospital in June and signed a clinical training affiliation agreement with Indiana Regional Medical Center (IRMC) in September. At the third annual IUP-Indiana Regional Medical Center Pennsylvania Mountains Rural Health Conference in November, four additional agreements with health providers were signed: Broad Top Area Medical Center, Hyndman Area Health Centers, Nulton Diagnostics and Treatment Center, and Primary Health Network. In December, IUP and Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center formalized a clinical training affiliation agreement.
Miko Rose, Founding Dean
Ryan Smith, Associate Dean of Clinical Affairs
Luke H. Mortensen, Associate Dean of Preclinical Affairs
The IUP Alumni Association and Foundation for IUP’s Commitment to COM
The IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors pledged $500,000 to support IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine, addressing Pennsylvania’s critical rural health care needs. President Leslie Purser emphasized the initiative’s importance in reinforcing IUP’s academic reputation and enhancing health care access. The board is committed to advancing this project alongside significant contributions from alumni, reflecting their dedication to IUP’s future and mission.
The IUP Alumni Association is an independent, nonprofit corporation governed by an elected board of directors. Every IUP graduate is a member of the IUP Alumni Association. The Association’s mission is to
create and enrich relationships to engage current and future alumni in the advancement of IUP. While the IUP Alumni Association does not solicit or fundraise on behalf of IUP, it is the owner of an endowment built from several affinity programs. The endowment funds are maintained by the Foundation for IUP, but members of the Alumni Association Board of Directors make decisions about spending endowment funds. Over the past 30 years, the Association has donated $1.7 million to support several areas across campus, including the Alumni Legacy Scholarship, which supports incoming students who are children, stepchildren, or grandchildren of IUP alumni.
Front Row: Tina Steffy '03; Leslie Purser '80; Emily Smeltz '01, M'02; Mary Morgan '91; Jennifer Dunsmore '98, Assistant Vice President for University Advancement Second Row: Jennifer DeAngelo, Vice President for University Advancement; Chad Jurica '07, M'09; Aaron Felter '01, M'11; Marc Hutzell 97; Morgan Huey '16; Scott Rhoades M'06 Back Row: Stephen Mihalacki '01; Sara Lawer '06, M'08; Valerie Sutton '88, M'06; Heather Reed M'13; George Kelly '82 Missing from photo: Debra (Evans) Smith '81, Kevin W.Bailey '86, M'90
The 2024-25 IUP Alumni Association Board of Directors
Members of the Foundation for IUP Board of Directors
The Foundation for Indiana University of Pennsylvania has committed $20 million to support IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine.
“IUP’s proposed college of osteopathic medicine will be transformational–for IUP, for the community, for the region, and especially for the commonwealth’s rural health care needs,” Former Foundation for IUP Board of Directors President Regina Stover said. “The Foundation Board is enthusiastic and unanimous in its support for this important initiative, and we are proud to make this commitment for this project.”
These funds come from unrestricted dollars that have grown over time due to operating income, portfolio earnings, and revenue from on-campus housing owned by the foundation. The foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1967; its primary mission is to provide philanthropic support for IUP. It is governed by an independent board of directors made up of volunteers and employs a full-time staff of eight, which includes an executive director.
From left: Richard M. Ubinger*; David Bluemling*; Foundation Executive Director Betsy Lauber; IUP proposed college of osteopathic medicine founding dean Miko Rose; Regina Stover*; IUP President Michael Driscoll; Richard Caruso*; James Leda*; Andrew Longacre*; Frank Condino*. *Foundation for IUP Board of Directors member
Leaving a Legacy
More than $3 million was pledged through donors’ estates during the past fiscal year. In time, these gifts will create a lasting impact and bright futures for countless IUP students.
Jerry Clark ’69, as a two-sport athlete, Jerry excelled not only on the football field, but also on the baseball diamond, and was a three-year starter for both teams. During his time on the football field, he gained three varsity letters as a defensive back and had 12 career interceptions. He was named to the 1968 AP All Pennsylvania first team and to IUP’s 1960s All Decade team. He also received the 1969 Coaches Big Indian Athletic Award for Athlete of the Year. As a baseball player, Jerry gained three more varsity letters and compiled 18 career steals, which as of 1969 was in IUP’s top 20 alltime. He also hit .300 or better twice in his career.
To support IUP students, Jerry and his wife Cheryl (Dunlap) Clark ’68 established the Jerry and Cheryl Clark Boardwalk Bowl Scholarship and intends to further support the scholarship through his estate. The Jerry and Cheryl Clark Boardwalk Bowl Scholarship is one of a family of Boardwalk Bowl endowments established to recognize the legacy of the 1968 Boardwalk Team. Jerry has been instrumental in fundraising, along with other teammates, to ensure the history of the Boardwalk Bowl lives on forever at IUP. “We decided to make this commitment after talking with some other members of the team,” Jerry said. “We got a lot of support when we were here at IUP, and we wanted to provide those opportunities to studentathletes, particularly student-athletes in the football program. We know that, eventually, members of our Boardwalk Bowl team will be gone, and we wanted to keep the legacy of the team alive by promoting the establishment of individual Boardwalk Bowl Endowments along with a Boardwalk Bowl Team Endowment. Presently there are nine individual Boardwalk Bowl Endowments and a Boardwalk Bowl
Team Endowment with those ten funds totaling close to $500,000.” As members of the Boardwalk Bowl Team pass, Jerry and his teammates provide memorial gifts to the Boardwalk Bowl Team Endowment. Jerry is a member to the IUP Athletics Advancement Council.
Noah Johnston is in his third year at IUP, majoring in Community Health and Health Education. A passionate football player from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he is entering his third season as a Crimson Hawk. Noah chose IUP because of the proximity to home and the great football program. “The coaching staff went above and beyond in the recruiting process to show me I wouldn’t just be going to a school, I would be joining a family,” Noah said.
Receiving this football scholarship has significantly impacted Noah’s education, allowing him to focus on both academics and athletics without the stress of financial burdens. He expresses deep gratitude to the donors for their life-changing support and hopes to give back in the future by positively influencing others as they have influenced him.
After graduation, Noah aspires to pursue a career in sports administration and become a teacher and athletic director, furthering his goal of making a meaningful impact in people’s lives.
Larry F. Sobotka ’63 graduated from IUP with a Bachelor of Science in Education. In September 1963, he joined the faculty at Parkville High School in Baltimore County, Maryland in the Science Department, where he influenced generations of students as a physical science and honors chemistry teacher for 30 years. His tenure at Parkville was divided between teaching chemistry during the day and serving as the Adult Evening School Principal. Larry was a well-respected educator in the community and throughout Baltimore County, Maryland. Upon his passing in May 2023, Larry created a legacy of discovery for generations of future teachers and young learners by enhancing the Larry F. Sobotka Scholarship and the Larry F. Sobotka Science Discovery and Outdoor Learning Center through a transformative estate gift
Located in the courtyard of IUP’s Stouffer Hall, the center is an outdoor classroom facility where students and educators have access to facilities and a natural environment for learning. It includes a large pavilion with seating for instructional presentations, projection and presentation equipment, and cabinets
for storage of materials. The center focuses on the wildlife, plants, and environmental features of Pennsylvania, including walkways with tracks from different animals common in the commonwealth. The center is open to use by IUP students, faculty, local community educators, and members of the community, and continues to be used by local groups, including garden clubs and scout troops.
“We are truly honored to receive this gift from the Sobotka estate to support IUP students and the Science Discovery and Outdoor Learning Center,” said Dr. Edel M. Reilly, Dean of the College of Education and Human Services. “This gift coincides with the recent adoption by the State Board of Education of the new academic standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS). These revised standards prioritize having students productively participate in scientific discourse, practices, and investigation. By having a facility like the Science Discovery Center, IUP can train our future science teachers to be ready to address these standards in their own classrooms one day.”
Kennedi Bishop, a senior Early Childhood and Special education major, believes that the Larry F. Sobotka Science Discovery and Outdoor Learning Center has been an invaluable part of her education. “I first visited the center during a field trip in my freshman year, and I was immediately impressed by its beauty and engaging exhibits,” she said. “Now, as I work at a daycare, I regularly bring children to the center, and they are always thrilled to explore the animal footprints and other interactive displays. It’s such a wonderful resource for outdoor learning and hands-on exploration. The center provides endless opportunities for interactive learning, both for the children I work with and for me as an aspiring educator. It’s a space that sparks curiosity and encourages learning through exploration, which is so important for young minds. It has also helped me develop creative teaching methods that I will carry with me throughout my career.”
Kennedi is a member of the IUP Ambassadors and Student Philanthropy Council. After she graduates, she intends to teach middle school special education or high school life skills.
Scholarship Support
During the 2023-24 academic year, 1,658 students received $4.1 million in donor-funded scholarships.
IUP graduates Dr. Primo Toccafondi '62 and Patricia (Sue) Kurtz Toccafondi '63 Rolando Toccafondi ’65 and his wife, Barbara Micks Toccafondi, to establish the Toccafondi-Kurtz Scholarship for students pursuing an education degree or teaching certificate. Primo and Rolando Toccafondi are brothers originally from Creekside, while Patricia is originally from Ligonier. Primo, Rolando, and Patricia Toccafondi are all first-generation college graduates. Primo and Patricia Toccafondi both retired after 30 years in the education field. Barbara Toccafondi, originally of DuBois, is a graduate of Allegheny College in Meadville. Rolando and Barbara Toccafondi also retired after long careers in education.
“Near the end of my high school senior year, I was awarded a scholarship,” Dr. Primo Toccafondi said. “That scholarship allowed me to pursue my professional career in education. It is an honor for Sue and me to join my brother and Barbara to establish the Toccafondi Kurtz Scholarship for IUP students that are accepting the challenge to teach tomorrow’s youth.”
“Our parents always talked about their children going on to college, and always encouraged us to get good grades,” said Rolando Toccafondi. “Fortunately, in my junior year I received a monetary award from one of the IUP scholarship programs. Barbara and I always felt a need to support our alma maters, and I have been proud to support the IUP marching band and the IUP ROTC program, as well as the education program.”
The family’s scholarship is already making a difference in students’ lives. Amber Chmielewski, a junior pursuing a degree in early childhood/special education, is the first recipient of the Toccafondi-Kurtz Scholarship. Coming to IUP from Pittsburgh, she decided to attend because she loved the size of the university and the great education program. “I love that I see someone I know everywhere I go on campus,” she said. “I also love how IUP provides resources to help students in all areas.” After IUP, Amber hopes to teach in a special education classroom or a fourth-grade general education classroom. She also plans to return and complete a master’s program to further her education and better her skills as a teacher for her students. “Receiving this scholarship allows me to pursue the career I want and be able to have a great experience at college,” she said. “Without this scholarship, I would not have the same opportunities. Thank you!”
CJ Jaynes ’79, M’82 graduated from IUP with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics education and then taught in the Indiana Area School District while working on her master’s degree in mathematics. At that time, CJ decided to leave the teaching profession and join the US Navy. She was commissioned in March 1983 and spent the next 33 years as an Aeronautical (Maintenance) Engineering Duty Officer and Acquisition Professional. CJ traveled the world and visited many fascinating places, but her heart was always at IUP. CJ retired in May 2016 as a Rear Admiral, was selected as an IUP Distinguished Alumni in 2017 and became a member of the Dean’s Advancement Council for the Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
CJ believes her degrees from IUP set the foundation for her Naval career and enabled her to have success in an aviation/engineering field. The Rear Admiral CJ Jaynes Scholarship for Veterans in STEM encourages students to pursue careers in STEM and set themselves up for a prosperous and successful future. CJ’s focus for veterans is linked to the many enlisted sailors and Marines that helped shape her as a junior officer and developed the leadership characteristics that she carries with her to this day.
Jacob Herman, a dedicated student from Tower City, Pennsylvania, is set to graduate in 2025 with a degree in computer science with a minor in criminology. His choice of IUP was influenced by the university’s strong computer science program, particularly its focus on cyber security, the supportive campus environment and welcoming faculty.
Active in campus life, Jacob participates in the Cyber Security Club and engages in intramural sports, including basketball and flag football. He values these extracurricular activities not only for physical engagement but also for the rewarding friendships and connections. The small class sizes at IUP further enhance his educational experience, allowing for meaningful interactions with professors.
After graduation, Jacob aims to enter the cyber field and is currently exploring job opportunities. He also aspires to pursue a master’s degree in the future to further his education. Receiving a scholarship is a significant honor for Jacob. It provides financial support and serves as motivation to excel in his studies. He appreciates this recognition as a testament to his hard work and is excited about the prospects that lie ahead.
“Receiving a scholarship is a huge honor, and not only does it allow me to gain financial support, but it also motivates me to work harder,” he said. “I am so appreciative of receiving this scholarship because it is such an honorable recognition and makes all the hard work that I have put in over the years pay off. It also makes me proud and excited for what the future has to offer.”
Academic Enhancement and Student Assistance
During the 2023-24 academic year, more than $2.9 million was provided through donor-funded support for enhancements to academics, student life experiences, and other university needs.
Established by Matt Schroeder ’91, the ECOB Student Support Fund provides support to students enrolled in courses offered through the Eberly College of Business experiencing emergency needs or needing further assistance to continue their education. Matt was attracted to IUP due to both the reputation of its school of business and its strong music program. He graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. After working for two years in Pittsburgh, Matt relocated to Mechanicsburg and married his wife Stacy, who he met working as a summer camp counselor during college. After spending several years at Arthur Anderson, Matt joined Rite Aid in 2000 as a Vice-President in the Accounting Department. He has held various positions at Rite Aid over the years, including Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and most recently Chief Executive Officer. Matt has always valued his IUP experiences, including the opportunity to pursue his love of music, the many friendships that he made and most important, the quality of his education, which positioned him well to have a successful and impactful career. Matt is honored to have the opportunity to establish this fund and hopes that this will be a good source of help for students in need.
One of the students who received funding through the ECOB Student Support Fund had this to say about her experience:
“As an international student pursuing an MBA in Supply Chain Management, I’ve always been driven by my passion for learning and professional growth. However, the financial strain of studying abroad became particularly challenging in early 2024. This sudden economic shift left me struggling to cover both my tuition and basic living expenses in the last semester of my studies. Despite managing my finances carefully, and working as a Graduate Assistant, my stipend wasn’t enough to offset the increased costs. It was an extremely stressful time, and I feared I might have to put my studies on hold and return home.
Thanks to the ECOB Student Support Fund, I received the financial assistance I needed. This support allowed me to stay focused on my education, complete my coursework, and continue making progress toward my MBA without the overwhelming burden of financial worry. The assistance I received was more than just financial—it was a lifeline that gave me peace of mind and a sense of security during a critical time in my academic journey. I am truly grateful for the generosity of donors who make this fund possible. Their kindness helped me overcome a significant hurdle, and I believe that their continued support will change the lives of many more students, just as it changed mine.”
When Dr. Deanne Snavely announced her retirement as dean of the John J. and Char Kopchick College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, her friends and colleagues knew they needed to come together to honor Dr. Snavely’s work and tenure at the university. With much of Dr. Snavely’s work focusing on facilitating interdisciplinary research for faculty and students, it made sense to look at a legacy that would both honor Dr. Snavely and aid students in professional development. With the help of a committee composed of faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, a campaign was launched to create the Deanne L. Snavely Kopchick College Fund for Student Professional Development.
“The Snavely Endowment for Student Professional Development provides financial support for our students to engage and interact with the broader scientific community through participation in professional conferences and travel to internship research sites. Opportunities like these enable our students to share and communicate the importance of their research and build connections with other scientists, and building a stronger scientific community for all,” shared Steven Hovan, dean of Kopchick College.
Victoria Alao (a biology pre-med major with dual minors in Chemistry and Psychology) recently had the opportunity to be a part of the first cohort to go to RUIA college in Maharashtra, India for study abroad and clinical experience. She was able to learn how clinical trials work first-hand by being a part of the team that conducted a clinical trial at S.P. Mandali’s Institute for Advanced Training and Research in Interdisciplinary Sciences in Mumbai.
The study abroad opportunity also allowed immersion in another culture. She toured the city, visiting places such Gateway of India, stayed at Saguna Baug, an agricultural farm, and took part in various activities, including horseback riding, watching Mallakhamba, bullock cart rides, and clay molding.
At IUP, Victoria is involved in many organizations including Cooks Honors College, Crimson Scholars Circle, Promising Scholars program, American Medical Student Association, Student Government Association, Pan African Student Association, American Chemical Society, and the Black Student League. After college, Victoria plans to go to medical school and studying to become a doctor of psychiatry/emergency medicine.
“Overall, this study abroad was filled with learning and fun. This experience is one I will never forget, and I would highly recommend it to other students. Thanks to the Deanne L. Snavely Kopchick College Fund for Student Professional Development, I was able to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity, which not only enhanced my understanding of clinical trials but also provided me with the cultural experiences that will impact my future career in healthcare,” said Victoria.
Foundation Focus: The University Museum
The Foundation for IUP receives the donations of artwork for the University Museum and manages the funding to protect and maintain these pieces. The permanent collection comprises over 5,000 objects, including the Mary Jack collection of Inuit Art, more than 200 works by the muralist Milton Bancroft, an important collection of folk and Native American art, and important works by faculty and alumni of IUP. The collection is housed in the recently renovated area of the Robertshaw building and includes facilities to research, conserve, and manage the collection.
The University Museum is dedicated to providing leadership in the development of quality collections, exhibitions, and educational and public programs that challenge how we see ourselves and the social and natural world in which we live. The museum exists within the larger context of the College of Arts, Humanities, Media, and Public Affairs and the Lively Arts at IUP, which promote a culturally diverse world of art through presentations, studios, and classrooms.
To achieve these goals, the museum annually mounts a series of original exhibitions, related cultural events, and educational activities designed to appeal to the university and the local and regional community that it serves. These shows generally concentrate on contemporary and historic fine and folk art and material history. Special multi- and inter-disciplinary exhibits explore the rich historic and contemporary cultural heritage of the region. Rotating displays from the museum’s permanent collection and exhibits of student work from the graduate program in fine arts and design at IUP round out the programming schedule.
The University Museum is essential to the IUP community. It is a natural extension of the educational and cultural enrichment that IUP brings to Indiana County and offers unique opportunities to explore the art and cultural history of the region.
The University Museum also gives experiential learning opportunities to students. Kaylee Long '24, a history major, and Daisy LuceroSanchez '24, an art history major, recently completed internships which allowed them to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to hands-on projects. Research performed included information on the artist, their biography, art style, and provenance. Using this information, they incorporated each piece’s background into its visual description, and crafted labels that narrated a story about the art that made it both accessible and enticing to the public. They also gained experience in various aspects of the museum, including archival and preservation work, inventory, and hanging exhibits.
“Throughout my internship at the University Museum, I learned a lot about the field and expanded my horizons, reaffirming my passion for this profession. These experiences opened new pathways for me and introduced me to different prospective careers and gave me valuable skill sets I will use in my future,” said Kaylee.
“Every moment of working with the museum was educational and fun. There was never a dull moment, and I learned a lot about the legalities of artworks and the creation of exhibitions on a large scale. As someone who wants to pursue a career in museums, I found my experience with the IUP museum to be a great learning experience,” said Daisy.
Milton Bancroft
Culture: North America
Untitled (Children Playing)
C. 1920 Oil on Canvas
Kaylee and Daisy working with the print collection
New Funds New Opportunities
The following scholarship and enhancement funds were established during the 2023-24 academic year.
1964 Football Team Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at Indiana University of Pennsylvania who are members of the IUP Football Team.
A. Daniel Bilko Memorial Honors College Fund
To provide support to student taking part in a summer program through the Cook Honors College who are enrolled in or have graduated from one of the following high schools: Bishop Carroll Catholic, Cambria Heights, Central Cambria, or Penn Cambria.
A. Daniel Bilko Memorial Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students in the dual enrollment program at IUP that are from the following high schools: Bishop Carroll Catholic, Cambria Heights, Central Cambria, or Penn Cambria. Preference is to be given to students from Cambria Heights, students with financial need, and first-generation college students.
Charles and Margaret Baltzer Memorial Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at IUP pursuing an education degree or certificate. Preference is to be given to students that are active-duty military personnel, veterans, or the children of active-duty military personnel or veterans.
Dr. P. Michael Kosicek Memorial Student Experience Fund
To provide financial support to enhance the experiences of students enrolled in the Eberly College of Business.
ECOB Student Support Fund
To provide financial support to students enrolled in courses offered through the Eberly College of Business to help those experiencing emergency needs or needing further assistance to continue their education.
Eleanora Dellafiora and Sandra E. Dellafiora Memorial Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at IUP pursuing an undergraduate major offered by the Department of Music. Preference is to be given to students that graduated from a high school within Indiana County.
Francis J. and Charlotte H. Lohman Memorial Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at IUP who demonstrate financial need.
Global Conservation Initiatives Enhancement Fund
To provide financial support to enhance the academic, programmatic, and scholarship needs to increase diversity and/or global participation in conservation.
James and Leslie Leda Career Readiness and Job Placement Endowment
To provide financial support benefiting career preparedness across campus.
Kim Anderson Accounting Innovation Fund
To provide financial support to enhance the academic, programmatic, and scholarship needs of the accounting program in the Eberly College of Business.
Michele Norwood Professional Development for Student Success
To provide financial support to enhance the Student Success Infrastructure at IUP.
Rear Admiral CJ Jaynes Scholarship for Veterans in STEM
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at IUP pursuing a degree in a STEM field. Preference will first be given to students that are veterans, then to students that are children of veterans.
Retired Faculty and Administrators
Association Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to continuing students enrolled fulltime at IUP.
Reverend Doctor Janice L. Holmes Memorial Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at Indiana University of Pennsylvania pursuing a degree in nursing.
Ron "Cowboy" Nye Memorial Rugby Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled at IUP who are active members of the IUP Men’s Rugby team.
Sara Elizabeth Leader Parsons Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at IUP pursuing an undergraduate teacher education major or certificate. Preference is to be given to students who graduated from Mt. Union Senior High School.
Sigma Sigma Sigma Alumnae Education Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at IUP pursuing an undergraduate degree or certificate in education with preference given to active members of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority.
Thomas and Virginia Schott
Social Studies Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at IUP who are pursuing a degree in social studies education. Preference is to be given to residents of Elk County.
Tim Moore Memorial Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time in the Eberly College of Business. Preference is to be given to students in the ROTC program at IUP or for students that are active-duty or reservist military personnel, veterans, or the children of active-duty or reservist military personnel or veterans.
Toccafondi-Kurtz Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled full-time at IUP pursuing an education degree or teaching certificate.
Tom Baker Scholarship for Research
To provide financial support to encourage students enrolled at IUP pursuing a degree in chemistry or biochemistry to pursue a chemistry or biochemistry centered Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) or similar research program. It also may provide financial support for expenses related to the research experience while the chosen student(s) are taking part and/or after they return to IUP.
United Commercial Travelers Council 598-Donald B. Townsend Memorial Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to juniors or seniors enrolled full-time at IUP who are pursuing a major, minor, or certificate in Special Education or Early Childhood/ Special Education. Preference is to be given to students who live in and graduated from a high school within Indiana County and are actively student teaching.
Victor H. Campbell III Scholarship
To provide scholarship support to students enrolled full-time at IUP who live in Cameron County and are in good academic standing.
2023-24 Giving at a Glance
$6,222,490
Total Cash Gifts
3,524
Total Donors
Who gave to support IUP?
$32,076 Matching Gifts Received 18 Matching Gift Companies $1,043,595 Annual Giving Cash Gifts
$1,573,349 Realized from Planned Giving 1,878 Loyalty Society Donor Households
*This reflects cash donations received during the 2023-24 fiscal year. Commitments of planned gifts and pledges that extend beyond the fiscal year are not included.
Foundation Asset Overview
The foundation promotes and reinforces IUP’s educational mission through the management, investment and disbursement of private financial contributions.
$132 Million
Total cash and investments as of June 30, 2024
Cash and Investment Allocation
Endowment Funds
Unrestricted
Current Use Funds
Invested for IUP
Alumni Association
Endowed funds are comprised of donations placed in perpetuity and invested to produce income. A portion of each fund’s balance is made available based on the foundation’s spending policy to support the purpose of each fund. As the intention is for the principal to grow, these funds will be available indefinitely.
Current use funds are comprised of gifts that are available immediately to provide support based on the purpose of each fund. Current use funds exist if there are monies in the fund.
The foundation holds investments for the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) Alumni Association. The funds are used at the discretion of the Alumni Association.
Unrestricted funds are used at the discretion of the foundation to support the foundation’s operating costs and the university’s greatest needs.
$83.8 Million in 585 endowed funds
497 support scholarships
88 support enhancements to academics, student life, and other program needs
$10.9 Million in 412 current use funds
125 support scholarships
287 support enhancements to academics, student life, and other program needs
The foundation has allocated $20 million of unrestricted funds to provide support for the creation of a college of osteopathic medicine at IUP.
Asset
Allocation
(Including Endowment, Temporarily Restricted and Unrestricted)
The asset allocation targets in place for the foundation in fiscal year 2024 are detailed below by asset class.
The Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP) group manages approximately $1 million in US large cap equities for the foundation.
*The foundation also maintains a minimal amount in cash within the portfolio as well as operational cash accounts in local banks to meet the weekly needs of the university.
Investment Performance
The foundation’s returns (net of fees) for period ending June 30, 2024 are below:
Investment Committee
The Foundation Investment Committee is comprised of Foundation Board and Committee members with professional investment, finance, and operational experience. In addition, the foundation employs the investment consultant firm of Bilkey Katz (Pittsburgh, PA).
Investment Philosophy
In managing our assets, the Foundation for IUP keeps three primary goals in mind:
• Preserve the purchasing power of the portfolio and generate sufficient total return to support the foundation’s mission.
• Support IUP and respect donors’ wishes to create impact
• Support the foundation’s operating budget through a reasonable administration fee that is a portion of the annual payout amount
The foundation’s investment and spending policy is based on a total return philosophy. The foundation maintains a broadly diversified global portfolio with a long-term asset growth objective. Traditional asset classes are augmented with exposure to non-traditional asset classes to reduce volatility and enhance return. A critical determinant of the foundation’s ability to achieve its goals will be the growth of the asset pool supporting it. The goals of the investment program are to provide support for current foundation functions and to generate capital opportunities to ensure expanded capabilities in the future.
Endowment Overview
Our mission is to support the needs of IUP and IUP students. We are proud to have lived up to our mission since 1967. Our endowment ensures we will be able to continue to provide support for many years to come.
Endowments enable donors to leave a permanent legacy that supports the future of IUP. They also allow the foundation for IUP to help generate returns on those investments.
As a partner to IUP, our mission is to responsibly manage private support for the benefit of IUP. For the trailing one year ending June 30, 2024, the Total Fund returned 11.1% vs. 12.2% for its Policy Blended Index. Over the trailing five years, the Total Fund returned 8.1% annualized vs. 8.0% for the Policy Blended Index. In addition, the Foundation portfolio ranked in the top 17% within the Investment Metrics-All Endowment & Foundations Under $1 Billion Total Fund Universe for the trailing five years.
The Foundation’s Board of Directors recognizes the serious responsibility to prudently manage donors’ gifts. Our payout rate for 2023-2024 as reflected in this year’s report was 4.25% of a rolling 7-year average of the fair market value of the endowment. This includes an administrative fee of 1% to support the operations of the foundation.
Support and growth at the university are not possible without you! Thank you for your past, current and future gifts to the foundation.
The Donor Bill of Rights
Philanthropy is based on voluntary action for the common good. It is a tradition of giving and sharing that is primary to the quality of life. To assure that philanthropy merits the respect and trust of the general public, and that donors and prospective donors can have full confidence in the not-for-profit organizations and causes they are asked to support, we declare that all donors have these rights:
I. To be informed of the organization’s mission, of the way the organization intends to use donated resources, and of its capacity to use donations effectively for their intended purposes.
II. To be informed of the identity of those serving on the organization’s governing board, and to expect the board to exercise prudent judgment in its stewardship responsibilities.
III. To have access to the organization’s most recent financial statements.
IV. To be assured their gifts will be used for the purposes for which they were given.
V. To receive appropriate acknowledgement and recognition.
VI. To be assured that information about their donation is handled with respect and with confidentiality to the extent provided by law.
VII. To expect that all relationships with individuals representing organizations of interest to the donor will be professional in nature.
VIII. To be informed whether those seeking donations are volunteers, employees of the organization or hired solicitors.
IX. To have the opportunity for their names to be deleted from mailing lists that an organization may intend to share.
X. To feel free to ask questions when making a donation and to receive prompt, truthful and forthright answers.
The text of this statement in its entirety was developed by the American Association of Fund-Raising Counsel (AAFRC), Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP), Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), and adopted in November 1993.
