Nicholas J. Maiale remembered as distinguished alumnus and Abington supporter

ABINGTON, Pa. — Nicholas J. Maiale, an accomplished attorney who demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of Pennsylvanians and to students at Penn State and the Abington campus, passed away on July 5, 2025. He was 73. 

“Nick Maiale understood the influential role philanthropy plays in advancing Abington, and he set a powerful and compelling example through his generosity. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on through our students who benefit from his support,” Gary Liguori, Abington's chancellor, said.

Born and raised in South Philadelphia, Maiale started his Penn State degree at Abington, serving as president of the Student Government Association and receiving the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award for exemplary character, academics and contributions to the University. 

“Abington was transformative for me, like a launching pad, and where I got involved in politics and government,” he said in a previous interview. 

In 1973, Maiale graduated Phi Beta Kappa one semester early from the College of the Liberal Arts at University Park. 

“Penn State gave me a shot. I am a Penn Stater, first and foremost,” he had said. 

Maiale earned his law degree from Temple University in 1976, where he was a member of the law review. He established a law firm in Philadelphia and developed a client list that included high-profile businesses such as Comcast, the Delaware River Port Authority and Waste Management.  

Simultaneously, he was elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly in 1980 as the representative for his home legislative district, and he was re-elected for consecutive terms through 1992. He served on the committees for Judiciary, Finance, Insurance, Business and Commerce, and Appropriations. Maiale prided himself on developing relationships with people across party lines. 

For nearly three decades, Maiale served on the board of the Pennsylvania State Employees’ Retirement System. He was appointed board chairman in 1992, directing management of the fund, which grew from nearly $5 billion to more than $26 billion during his tenure.  

Maiale was a strong supporter of the Abington campus and Penn State. At Abington, he served on the advisory board and as the campus chair for the University’s “Grand Destiny” campaign. Campus leadership recognized him as its outstanding alumnus in 1982 and distinguished alumnus in 1998.  

His giving to Abington was the result of many conversations with Chancellor Emerita Karen Wiley Sandler. A thoughtful and focused philanthropic partner, Maiale believed in the importance of unrestricted funds that chancellors could use at their discretion, thus initiating the Penn State Abington College Endowment Fund. He also endowed Abington's first fund for students with disabilities as well as providing endowed scholarships and an internship fund.

At a ceremony in 2024, the Nick Maiale Student Government and Leadership Room in the Lares Building at Abington was named for him. He also received the Donor Appreciation Award, which recognizes a onetime Abington student whose philanthropic investments on campus have created a lasting impact on current Abington students.

Maiale’s support was recognized by his inclusion in the Atherton Society, the President’s Club and the Mount Nittany Society, all of which celebrate donors to the University. 

In 2001, he was named an Alumni Fellow, the most prestigious award bestowed by the Penn State Alumni Association. Alumni Fellows are leaders in their professional fields who accept an invitation from the president of the University to return to campus to share their expertise with students, faculty and administrators. 

In 2017, Maiale received the Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Penn State Board of Trustees upon an outstanding graduate. The award salutes the achievements of alumni whose personal lives, professional achievements and community service exemplify the objectives of the University. 

In addition to his advocacy for Penn State, Maiale served as finance chairman of the Delaware Valley Multiple Sclerosis Society, which inducted him into its Volunteer Hall of Fame for his fundraising initiatives. He was the recipient of many honors, including the Blair Thompson Lifetime Venture Award from the Greater Philadelphia Venture Group in 2000. 

About Penn State Abington

Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With more than 3,100 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 26 majors, accelerated master's degrees, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.