Scholarship luncheon celebrates donors and recipients at Penn State DuBois

DuBOIS, Pa. – When it comes to student success at Penn State DuBois, there are many entities involved. From faculty and staff on campus, to the greater campus community, everyone plays a role. This includes the numerous donors who support scholarships at Penn State DuBois possible. The annual scholarship luncheon, held on April 11 at the PAW Center, brings together students who have been impacted by scholarships with the donors who make them possible.

Scholarships at Penn State DuBois continue to make an impact, with funds awarded now totaling over $790,000 annually. This year, more than 125 students received at least one scholarship, which accounts for over 33% of the undergraduates at the campus.

Jungwoo Ryoo, chancellor and chief academic officer, opened the event with a warm welcome and some opening remarks.

“You, the donors, have demonstrated, through your gifts, that you believe in Penn State DuBois to ensure the effective use of these valued resources and to strive each day to lead our students toward the successful completion of a world class Penn State degree,” Ryoo said.

Student speakers for the event included Cristina Delaney, a non-traditional student majoring in human development and family students, who is the recipient of the Umbaugh Trustee Scholarship, and Noah Gibble, a wildlife technology student, who is the recipient of the K&E Lauer College of Agricultural Scholarship and PA Wildlife Habitat Scholarship.

“Early in my education, I chose to strive for the best in myself, no matter how difficult it may be,” Delaney said. “From the start of my academic journey, I learned how important donations, like the Umbaugh Trustee Scholarship, are. I recognize the immense value of generous contributions like this one. I am genuinely thankful to all those who donate scholarships to Penn State DuBois students.”

“As a recipient of grants and scholarships, I fully understand these awards' crucial role in making higher education accessible,” Delaney added. “The Umbaugh Trustee Scholarship has been a powerful motivator for me to strive for academic excellence. My achievements are a testament to the impact of your support, and I am committed to giving back to my donors for their kindness through achieving excellence at school and beyond.”

Gibble shared some insight into how the scholarships he received impacted his education.

“Over the summer, I interned for the Game Commission to earn what I needed to live comfortably throughout the year,” Gibble said. “I did not end up with the money I expected and became slightly more financially stressed. This stress affected my schoolwork and my ability to help lead the Penn State DuBois Wildlife Society. This year, I was selected for two scholarships: the K&E Lauer College of Agricultural scholarship and the PA Wildlife Habitat Scholarship. These scholarships have helped me become a more successful student because I can focus more on academics. Had it not been for the scholarships I received this spring semester, I might not be standing before you today.”

Offering the donor perspective on the day was Alex Gasbarre, president and CEO of Gasbarre Products and president of the DuBois Educational Foundation (DEF). Both organizations provide scholarships for students at Penn State DuBois.

“Supporting scholarships is one of the most rewarding investments we can make,” Gasbarre said. “When we support education, we’re saying we believe in you. We believe in your goals, in your potential and in the difference you’re going to make in this world.”

“At Gasbarre Products and through the work of the DEF, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with Penn State DuBois to help open doors for students who are striving to better themselves through hard work, persistence and vision,” Gasbarre continued. “We don’t just see scholarship recipients, we see future engineers, healthcare professionals, business leaders, educators and community builders. Each of you students has a unique story. Many of you are balancing school with jobs, families, and responsibilities most people never see. And yet, you show up. You keep pushing. You keep striving. That resilience inspires us—and reminds us exactly why we give.”

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.