HONOR. LOYALTY. LEGACY.
We are committed to serving the Penn State community on the Board of Trustees with honor, loyalty, and integrity. Penn State shaped who WE ARE. It gave us a community, a sense of home, and rich traditions to be part of as students and for the rest of our lives. It’s now time we give back to Penn State and ensure all who come after us have the same opportunities we did.
A New Fundraising Proposal for Tuition
We want to re-focus today’s philanthropic opportunities to help the students of today, not just students 30 years from now. We recognize and are grateful for the generosity of Penn State donors who have already endowed scholarships that will benefit students for years to come.
We believe Penn State should create a “Tuition Fund” separate from existing endowments to minimize, perhaps even eliminate, tuition increases during any four period a student attends Penn State. We can assure our students and their families that any future tuition increases will be carefully scrutinized by the administration and Board of Trustees. We have been encouraged by Penn State donors, other trustees, and representatives in Harrisburg to study, focus, and collaborate to create a “Tuition Fund.” We are committed to doing our part as trustees to fulfill the Land Grant Mission to make a Penn State education accessible and affordable. Alvin has shown his dedication to keeping tuition affordable by being the only candidate who has voted against tuition increases every time they came before him. And Matt joins him in this effort.
Ensuring Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Penn State quickly became a home for Matt and Alvin. They found themselves embraced by a community and part of traditions they are still surrounded by today. Alvin and Matt are committed to ensuring every student at Penn State feels welcome and supported no matter their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual identity, gender identity, or physical ability. During his time as a Trustee, Alvin has met with students, their families, and sororities to improve safety on campus. He and Matt will continue listening to the Penn State community to ensure they understand the perspectives and needs of students, faculty, and staff.
Honoring the Legacy of Joe & Sue Paterno
Few have done more for Penn State than Joe and Sue Paterno. Throughout their years of guidance and philanthropy, which Sue continues to this day, they have taught Penn Staters success with honor. They have reminded us all what service to others looks like and who WE ARE. Their impact can be seen on Penn State campuses, reflected in students in THON, and in Matt, who credits those years playing for Joe as some of the most formative ones of his life. Together, Matt and Alvin pledge to restore the Paterno legacy.
Creating More Opportunities After Graduation
One thing is always certain: PSU students need to be prepared for the world after college. That’s why Alvin worked with the Penn State Development Office and arranged a visit with an international engineering and construction company to create a pathway for Penn State students to be hired as interns and full-time employees. He and Matt will be staunch advocates for students and work to ensure Penn Staters find success after graduation.