Greater Allegheny raises more than $50,000 for student scholarships

McKEESPORT, Pa. — Penn State Greater Allegheny raised more than $50,000 for student scholarships and basic needs support during its Scholar Speakeasy on May 30, bringing together alumni, faculty, staff and community members for an evening dedicated to student success.

Held in the Student Community Center, the Prohibition-era-inspired fundraiser featured live music, casino-style gaming, food and beverages, and student stories via video testimonial highlighting the impact of donor support.

“It was incredibly meaningful to see a packed room of campus and community members come together with such enthusiasm and generosity,” said Megan Nagel, regional chancellor of Penn State Fayette, Greater Allegheny, and New Kensington. “It reinforced our roots in this community and our collective belief in the transformative power of education.”

The event drew inspiration from McKeesport’s history. According to Nagel, the origins of the term “speakeasy” are often traced to the city, making the theme a fitting tribute to the region while continuing Greater Allegheny’s longstanding tradition of jazz-themed fundraising events.

Tallin Cinti, event logistics coordinator, noted the positive feedback received about the atmosphere, entertainment and overall experience.

“Faculty, staff, alumni, community members and volunteers all contributed in meaningful ways, demonstrating that student success is truly a collective effort,” Cinti said. “When we come together with a shared vision, we can create opportunities that have a lasting impact on students’ educational journeys.”

Guests embraced the theme throughout the evening, enjoying live performances and entertainment while learning more about the challenges many students face in pursuing a college degree.

“What exceeded my expectations was the spirit in the room,” Nagel said. “There was so much laughter, connection and genuine joy throughout the evening. It felt like a celebration of our history, our campus traditions and, most importantly, our students.”

Student testimonials served as a reminder of why scholarship support remains critical. Nagel said the stories demonstrated how financial assistance can help students overcome obstacles that might otherwise prevent them from completing their degrees.

“Raising more than $50,000, especially for our first event of this kind in several years, is a tremendous success,” Nagel said. “But beyond the dollars, the true measure of success was the shared sense of purpose in the room. There was a collective recognition that even a relatively small investment today can alter the course of a student’s future.”

Funds raised through the Scholar Speakeasy will begin supporting student scholarships and basic needs initiatives as early as this fall.

“I want our donors and supporters to know that their generosity will have an immediate and meaningful impact,” Nagel said.

She hopes the Scholar Speakeasy will become a signature tradition for the campus.

“This year demonstrated what is possible when creativity, commitment and generosity align around a shared belief,” Nagel said. “I look forward to building on this momentum with the return of the Scholar Speakeasy in November 2027.”

Support for the Scholar Speakeasy advances 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.