UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – On Nov. 11, Penn State hosted the 49th annual Renaissance Fund event celebrating 2025 honorees William P. and Connie H. Hayes. The event recognized the couple’s lifelong commitment to the University and local community through their professional careers, volunteerism and philanthropy, and raised $451,162.25 in honor of the couple.
Each year, the Renaissance Fund honors Penn State and community leaders by raising funds to create endowed scholarships in their names. Renaissance Fund scholarships are awarded to academically talented students with demonstrated financial need. To date this academic year, more than $1 million in Renaissance scholarships have been awarded to 502 students.
“The Renaissance Fund truly exemplifies the best of Penn State,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “Bill and Connie have been truly incredible leaders in mobilizing support from every corner of the community and commonwealth and beyond. I am deeply grateful for their extraordinary efforts and for living out their values of generosity and dedication to learning.”
Bill Hayes grew up on a dairy farm in the Kishacoquillas Valley, where he participated in the 4-H Dairy Club and devoted almost a decade to establishing and maintaining the 4-H Horse and Pony Club, both of which were made possible by Penn State Extension. His plans to attend law school changed when he was recruited to join Kish Bank as a teller and management trainee in 1977. He rose quickly through the ranks, and in 1983 was elevated to serve as president, CEO and chairman of the board, positions he retained across four decades until stepping down in 2023. Throughout his career in finance, he contributed to strengthening the broader industry through leadership service with the American Bankers Association and Pennsylvania Bankers Association.
Alongside his professional achievements, Bill made volunteerism and community service a top priority. He spearheaded efforts to facilitate polio inoculations for the Amish and galvanized support for the Victims and Families Relief Fund following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. His other service includes previously chairing the Pennsylvania Friends of 4-H, the Lewistown Hospital board and Team Mifflin County, and serving on the board of the United Way of Mifflin-Juniata, the Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation and the YMCA. Today, his service continues as a trustee of Juniata College, the chair of the Mount Nittany Health Foundation Board and the president of Centre Hills Country Club.
Connie Hayes attended Elizabethtown College on her way to becoming a nationally recognized authority on antique quilts and textiles. She co-authored the definitive work on Old Order Amish quilts from the Kishacoquillas Valley and has frequently contributed to periodicals such as Country Living and Antiques and the Arts. Her expertise led her to consult for the Winterthur Museum and the American Folk Art Museum, which houses her collection of antique Amish quilts.
She has remained dedicated to service throughout her adult life, volunteering for many charitable organizations and serving on numerous boards and committees. These have included the Mifflin County Library, Lewistown Hospital’s Community Days, Easter Seals, the Palmer Museum of Art’s advisory board, the Pennsylvania Pink Zone, Centre Safe, Kish for the Cure and the Mount Nittany Health Foundation Charity Ball.
Beyond their volunteerism, Bill and Connie have also directed philanthropy toward many programs and priorities across the University, including the Palmer Museum of Art, the Center for the Performing Arts, WPSU and Penn State Athletics.
“We can’t begin to express our gratitude to all the donors and volunteers who have come together to invest in students who need financial help to fulfill their ambitions of coming to Penn State,” said Bill Hayes. “Connie and I are moved beyond words by the response we’ve seen, and to everyone who has lent their support to this important cause, we offer our deepest thanks.”
Gifts to the William P. and Connie H. Hayes Renaissance Fund are still being accepted. To learn more, visit raise.psu.edu/Renaissance2025, or contact Kathy Kurtz, associate director of annual giving, at klk13@psu.edu or 814-863-2052.
Gifts to Renaissance Fund Scholarships advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.