HARRISBURG, PA – On the evening of Tuesday, March 18, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU) hosted a Founders Club & Scholarship Recipient Reception, a heartfelt celebration of philanthropy and student achievement. The event brought together Founders Club members – donors who have contributed $10,000 or more to HU in a single year – alongside individuals who have established named scholarships and the students whose academic journeys have been transformed by their generosity.
The evening shone a spotlight on the profound impact of donor support on HU’s mission. As an independent, STEM-focused university in Central Pennsylvania, HU was founded to provide academic access and career pathways for driven students, particularly those from undeserved communities. Named scholarships play a crucial role in this mission, offering financial relief and enabling students to pursue degrees in cutting-edge fields without the burden of unmanageable student debt.
Harrisburg University’s Interim President, Dave Schankweiler, opened the evening with remarks emphasizing the essential role of philanthropy in sustaining the university’s commitment to academic excellence and accessibility:
“If you’re here with us tonight, it’s because you believe in HU’s founding principles and in its future. We set out to create a kind of institution that had never been seen in Pennsylvania. We wanted an engine for economic development, fueled by academic achievement. We are here because our Commonwealth needed a hub for lifelong STEM learning and professional development, with enough space for big dreams and huge collaborations. To our Founders Club members: your generosity fuels these dreams. And to our remarkable scholarship recipients: you embody the spirit of fearless invention and reinvention that this country so badly needs. We can’t wait to see what you do with it.”
Throughout the evening, scholarship recipients shared personal stories of perseverance and gratitude, demonstrating what’s possible when financial barriers do not stand in the way of ambition and talent. One student enrolled in the Advanced Manufacturing program at HU, Logan Trimmer, reflected on how receiving a named scholarship changed his academic trajectory – and quite possibly the future of automotive manufacturing:
“I appreciate being able to receive the Gene Haas Scholarship, which will help further my education. All students need to complete projects to graduate, but Advanced Manufacturing projects can be more hands-on than other majors. My project will focus on metal 3D printing and traditional manufacturing methods to create high-stress automotive components. The goal is to prove that hybrid manufacturing – the term for those operations combined – is viable for commercial and industrial use on a larger scale. The cost of my project was a concern, but I plan to utilize a portion of the scholarship for funding my project. I’m grateful that I don’t have to worry about finances while pursuing something I’m passionate about, with the goal of making a positive impact on the automotive industry.”
Another student, Kirtan Patel, echoed Logan’s sentiment about the transformative power of scholarships:
“My brother recommended Harrisburg University, a decision that has truly changed my life. As a senior in Computer and Information Sciences, I’ve had the opportunity to dive deep into areas like cloud computing, machine learning, and full-stack development. Receiving this scholarship has made a tremendous difference in my journey. It has relieved financial stress, allowing me to focus on learning, developing my skills, and engaging in real-world projects. It has also given me the opportunity to network with professionals, attend career fairs, and gain invaluable mentorship – experiences that have strengthened my confidence and career aspirations. As I approach graduation, I am excited to take the next step, knowing that the foundation built here at Harrisburg University will help me achieve my goals. I am incredibly thankful for your support, and I hope to one day pay it forward by helping future students, just as you have helped me.”
The reception was not only a celebration of past generosity but also a reminder of the ongoing need for support. HU continues to expand its reach and impact, fostering innovation and opportunity for students who might otherwise struggle to chart their academic journeys.
To all Founders Club members, named scholarship donors, and supporters of HU, thank you for making a difference. Your generosity fuels dreams, transforms lives, and strengthens the future of STEM education. For those considering making a gift, now is the perfect time to join this incredible community of changemakers. Every contribution helps shape the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers.
Recently, HU launched a Lifetime Membership in the Harrisburg University Founders Club. Rather than annually gifting $1,000, we are making our Founders Club benefits available to all who make a one-time donation of $10,000. To learn more about supporting HU’s mission, including becoming a member of the Harrisburg University Founders Club, visit HarrisburgU.edu/Give.
ABOUT HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY
Harrisburg University was recently recognized by US News & World Report as one of the nation’s most innovative colleges. HU is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is a private, nonprofit university offering bachelor’s and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, nursing, and other health science fields. For additional information about HU’s affordable, demand-driven undergraduate and graduate programs, please call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu. Stay updated by following Harrisburg University on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter).
