UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Board of Trustees member Naren Gursahaney and his wife, Judy Gursahaney, have committed $3 million to support the University’s ongoing fundraising campaign. Their generous gift will fuel Invent Penn State initiatives that drive the commercialization of discoveries made by University researchers and the Beaver Stadium Revitalization project. As a member of the Campaign Leadership Council, Naren Gursahaney is a volunteer leader for the campaign, and the couple’s support reflects key priorities in the effort.
“As we begin a new fundraising campaign, every Penn Stater has the opportunity to consider how they want to make an impact at the University,” said Naren Gursahaney. “Judy and I are glad that we can invest in the aspiring researchers and entrepreneurs who will drive change in the world and also help to unite the whole Penn State community with a renovated Beaver Stadium. We are grateful for all that the University has made possible for us and our family, and we look forward to Penn State’s future success.”
“This commitment from Naren and Judy reflects their deep love for Penn State and their belief in our university’s ability to lead in both athletics and innovation,” said Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi. “Naren’s own career as a visionary business leader and a dedicated Penn Stater embodies what we hope for all our graduates — that they make a meaningful impact in the world and give back to their alma mater. We are profoundly grateful to the Gursahaneys for their generosity, which will strengthen both our research enterprise and our athletics programs.”
In addition to a $2 million estate pledge, Naren and Judy Gursahaney are directing $500,000 in immediate funding to Invent Penn State, the University’s economic development and entrepreneurship initiative. Their support will fund three flagship programs designed to accelerate the commercialization of Penn State research and cultivate student entrepreneurship:
-
$250,000 will help launch the Penn State Investor Network, which connects University-based startups with angel investors and venture capital. The gift will fund the network’s leadership position for one year and lay the groundwork for future fundraising.
-
$125,000 will expand the Summer Founders Program, offering more student entrepreneurs access to structured mentorship and business development resources.
-
$125,000 will support the Erickson Discovery Grants, enabling students across all Penn State campuses and majors to pursue independent research under faculty mentorship.
“Naren and Judy understand the importance of providing support along the full arc of research commercialization, from the earliest efforts of emerging researchers and entrepreneurs to pursue their first breakthroughs and launch their first businesses, to the ongoing need for support that helps us to take ideas from Penn State labs to the market,” said Andrew Read, senior vice president for research. “Their generosity will accelerate our rise as a higher education leader in innovation and impact.”
Another $500,000 portion of the Gursahaneys’ gift will provide immediate support for Beaver Stadium renovations, which were approved by the Board of Trustees in May 2024. Philanthropy is a key driver in modernizing the facility while preserving its rich history and transforming it into a year-round venue that benefits not only Penn State Athletics but also the broader economy of the region. The completed project will generate additional revenue to support all 31 sports programs at University Park.
"Naren and Judy’s leadership and dedication to Penn State continue to make a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity," said Patrick Kraft, vice president for intercollegiate athletics. "Their support will strengthen the foundation of Penn State Athletics for generations to come."
Naren Gursahaney, a 1983 engineering alumnus, currently serves as a director for NextEra Energy, an adviser for Berwind Corp. and a trustee for Penn State. He previously served as the president, chief executive officer and a director of ADT Corp. Gursahaney also has held executive roles at Tyco International and General Electric. He is a recipient of Penn State’s Outstanding Engineering Alumni, Alumni Fellow and Distinguished Alumni awards.
Together, Naren and Judy Gursahaney have supported areas across the University, including Intercollegiate Athletics, the College of Engineering, the College of Information Sciences and Technology, the Student Veteran Center and Four Diamonds. They are members of the Mount Nittany Society, which recognizes Penn State’s most generous donors. The couple has two children, Kayla Gursahaney, a 2016 graduate of the College of Information Sciences and Technology, and Phillip Gursahaney.
Alyssa M. Wilcox, vice president for development and alumni relations, expressed her appreciation for the example that the Gursahaneys have set for other leaders in the Penn State community.
“By directing their gift to both Beaver Stadium and to our research enterprise, Naren and Judy have highlighted the breadth of Penn State’s impact close to home and around the world,” Wilcox said. “This commitment, as well as the invaluable insights that Naren offers as a member of our Campaign Leadership Council, will help to inspire philanthropy across the University family, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Gursahaneys in advancing Penn State’s impact through the campaign.”
Donors like the Gursahaneys 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.