Pitt-Johnstown Receives $12 Million Donation—Largest Gift in School’s History

The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown has received a donation of $12 million, the largest gift in the school’s 81-year history. Established through the generosity of a deceased alumnus who wished to remain anonymous, the estate gift endows in perpetuity a commuter scholarship that was established at Pitt-Johnstown in 2000. It is estimated that the gift will provide support for approximately 40 students annually.

The commuter scholarship fund supports the attainment of a bachelor’s degree at Pitt-Johnstown by providing each commuter student recipient with a full academic scholarship for all four academic years, including tuition, fees, and books.

Eligibility requirements for the commuter scholarship are as follows: Each recipient must commute to campus; be in the top 15 percent of his or her high school graduating class; have an SAT score greater than 1200; complete 12 or more credits each term; maintain a QPA of 3.25 in the freshman year, 3.35 in the sophomore year, and 3.45 in the junior year; and qualify for financial need. Each candidate must be at least a three-year resident of, and a high school graduate from, any of the following five Pennsylvania counties: Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, Indiana, or Westmoreland.

“This estate gift sends a valuable message about the importance of alumni support,” said Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar (right). “Through this gift, our loyal alumnus acted in a way that leaves a permanent legacy and sets an example for others to follow. A gift of this magnitude will enable deserving students to pursue an intellectually stimulating education and position themselves for rewarding careers and meaningful lives. There are no words eloquent enough to express our gratitude.”

Information on the scholarship is available by contacting the Pitt-Johnstown Office of Admission, 814-269-7050.

Founded in 1927, Pitt-Johnstown is the first and largest regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh. A vital knowledge center and a leading contributor to the area’s educational, social, cultural, and economic environment, Pitt-Johnstown offers a high- quality educational experience that is purposefully designed to prepare students for the real world of the 21st century.