UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When it comes to global challenges, there are none more pressing to Penn State alumni Frank and Janet Glasgow Dudek than food safety and clean energy.
They are passionate about finding solutions to those challenges, and that's why they are providing $50,000 to Penn State to lead the way.
"Penn State is pioneering research in both of these fields," Janet Dudek said. "The University has positioned itself as a leader in technology and innovation, and we are confident its faculty and students have the knowledge, compassion and commitment to impact these issues globally."
The gift continues the Dudeks' legacy of giving to Penn State and is the second pledge the couple has made to allow the University to early activate two areas of their 2011 pledge of $2.5 million from the couple's estate. This gift will activate the Frank and Janet Dudek Endowment in Food Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Frank and Janet Dudek Energy Business and Finance Scholarship in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences.
The Dudeks' philanthropy to the College of Agricultural Sciences will support programs in the Department of Food Science, including an endowment to support graduate-student travel to present research findings at scientific conferences; a scholarship and a fellowship to provide financial support for outstanding graduate students in food science; and an endowment to provide research and program support in the department.
"The Dudeks' gifts help to provide the resources our students and faculty need to advance our mission of teaching, research and outreach for the betterment of all," said Rick Roush, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. "We greatly appreciate their ongoing support of our college — their generosity is making a positive difference now and will continue to make a difference for generations to come."
The couple's donations to the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences and the Eberly College of Science will support the purchase of laboratory equipment. Earth and Mineral Sciences also will use funds to create a graduate fellowship in fuel science, as well as four undergraduate scholarships and an endowment to provide research and program support in the college.
"Investments in both time and technology have allowed Penn State to become a leader in advancing affordable and sustainable energy," said William Easterling, dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. “The Dudeks’ gifts position the University to continue that effort at perhaps the most critical time in our global quest for energy solutions."
Janet received her bachelor's degree in zoology in 1969 from what is now the Eberly College of Science and completed her master's degree in animal nutrition in the College of Agricultural Sciences in 1972. Frank received a bachelor's degree in mineral economics from the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences in 1971.
The Dudeks reside in Arlington, Virginia. Janet works as a private consultant to the pharmaceutical industry, and Frank is a retired American Airlines pilot. In addition to the degrees they earned from Penn State, both Janet and Frank received master of business administration degrees from George Washington University.
Gifts from Penn State’s alumni and friends have been essential to the success of the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve the public good. To fulfill that mission for a new era of rapid change and global connections, the University has begun "A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence," a fast-paced campaign focused on the three key imperatives of a public university. Private support will keep the door to higher education open and enable students to graduate on time and on track to success; create transformative experiences on Penn State campuses and around the globe that tap the full potential of Penn Staters to make a difference; and impact the world through discovery, innovation and entrepreneurship. To learn more, please visit www.giveto.psu.edu.