Speeches

Dedication of Hintz Family Alumni Center

It is my sincere pleasure to be here today to share in this momentous occasion. I remember when we were in discussion about whether to build the new alumni center, and where. There were recommendations for other locations, but this location, tied to our historic University House, seemed most compelling to me. And I hope you're glad that I won that vote.

It is our hope that the Hintz Alumni Center will be a physical reminder of Penn State's deep commitment to its students -- former, current, and future. It is our desire that this new center will strengthen an already strong bridge between alumni and this institution.

Penn State alumni are some of the most loyal in the world and they are an integral part of our University community. As most of you know, our Alumni Association is 131 years old and has more than 145,000 members -- making it the largest alumni association in the country.

So it is by design that this new alumni home is featured so prominently in the central part of campus, and fits so well architecturally with University House, which was designed by Penn State's first president, Evan Pugh, and was home to 11 University presidents. Sandy might even want me to make the number 12 by coming over to sleep on the couch inside from time to time!

The opening of the Hintz Family Alumni Center is a milestone for the Penn State Alumni Association. It is also a milestone for the University. For the first time in Penn State's 146-year history, alumni will have a physical presence on campus, providing them with a true home and fostering more interaction with students, faculty, and staff.

There are more than 400,000 living graduates of Penn State. I am continuously amazed by and extremely thankful for the number of Penn State alumni who "give back" time, talents and gifts to the University. I've heard countless alumni say, "I want to be able to contribute something to ensure that other Penn Staters have the same opportunity and excellent education that I did." That philanthropic spirit is part of what being a Penn State graduate is about.

Two fine examples of graduates who have given back innumerable times are Ed and Helen Hintz, whose generous lead gift made possible this exceptional facility. The Hintz's understand the value of an alumni presence on campus and have reinvested monetary rewards reaped from the knowledge that was nurtured here at this University. This new alumni home bears their family name and is a fitting tribute to two individuals and their family.

This sense of alumni gratitude is extraordinary, but not all that uncommon. For the fourth straight year, Penn State has had more alumni donate money than any other school in the country. In fact, the Hintz Family Alumni Center was built entirely through private funding, reflecting the pride that our alumni have for their alma mater. Let me say that the feeling is mutual. The caliber of our alumni is exceptional -- in accomplishments and in character. It is only right to create a center where they can have a distinct influence on future generations of Penn State graduates.

I wish the Alumni Association much success and I look forward to strengthened relationships and new partnerships that will benefit the University, its students and our loyal alumni.