Libraries adds Paterno student scholarship for Paterno Library’s 25th year

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Libraries recently marked the 25th anniversary of the Paterno Library with a celebration and the launch of the Paterno Scholarship for Student Workers in the University Libraries, a new fund to support Penn State student employees of the University Libraries while they pursue their degrees. 

The Paterno Scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers for student employees in the University Libraries, with the goal of one day providing support to every student worker so they can graduate with less or no debt. Longtime University Libraries supporter and volunteer Sue Paterno and a group of additional donors joined to offer a matching gift challenge of $300,000 to help launch the Paterno Scholarship with a goal to raise $1 million. Gifts of any level to the scholarship will receive a one-to-one match. 

“The 25th anniversary of the Paterno Library gives us the opportunity to celebrate the past while investing in the future,” Dean of University Libraries and Scholarly Communications Faye A. Chadwell said. “Our student employees play a vital role in the Libraries’ success, and this scholarship will help ease their financial challenges so they can focus more fully on their education.” 

Sue Paterno has maintained a decades-long relationship with the University Libraries, serving on advisory boards and playing a key role in fundraising efforts. She and her late husband, Joe Paterno, were honored with the naming of the Paterno Library, recognizing their shared commitment to supporting the University's academic mission.  

“It is deeply meaningful to me that this scholarship will support the students who dedicate their time and talents to the Libraries,” Paterno said. “Together, we can ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.” 

Prior to the announcement, Chadwell also held a fireside chat with Paterno about Pattee Library and Paterno Library’s rich history. Paterno shared her thoughts about the value of libraries and some of her personal stories and reflections about Pattee Library and Paterno Library.  

The anniversary celebration and scholarship announcement occurred in the Paterno Family Humanities Reading Room, second floor Pattee Library, on Penn State’s University Park campus. The Sept. 30 event coincided with the Libraries’ annual Donor Reception and honored this year’s Library Leaders — those individuals who have reached a lifetime giving level of $25,000 — which places them among the most generous of the Libraries’ philanthropic supporters. Following the program and announcement, guests enjoyed a reception in the library’s Collaboration Commons.  

This year’s Library Leaders — 11 individuals and couples from across the United States — were recognized for making significant gifts to the University Libraries. Their support reflects the numerous ways Penn State alumni and friends continue to strengthen the Libraries, ranging from scholarships for student workers to investments in collections, technology and discretionary funds for identifying and supporting emerging strategic needs. 

More information about the Paterno Scholarship for Student Workers in the University Libraries, including information for potential donors, is available online or by contacting 814-865-2258. 

A recording of the full program including Chadwell and Paterno’s conversation also is available online on the Library Discovery Hour page. 

Gifts to the Paterno Scholarship for Student Workers in the University Libraries 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.