UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. —– Penn State graduates William C. Donato Jr. and Kathryn Wiggins Donato believe deeply in the power of education. William Donato, a Schreyer Scholar alumnus who graduated from the Smeal College of Business in 1994, credits Schreyer Honors College for helping him grow during college and throughout his career.
“Schreyer Honors College played a transformative role in my life. It challenged me academically, expanded my perspectives and provided a community of Scholars who inspired me to push beyond what I thought was possible,” he said. “To us, giving back isn’t just about gratitude — it’s about paying it forward and strengthening the legacy of excellence at Schreyer and Penn State.”
Now, the Donatos are paving the way for academic programs at Schreyer Honors College to excel for years to come with the Donato Family Academic Excellence Fund. Additionally, they have named a classroom in Atherton Hall, the home of Schreyer Honors College. The Donato Family Classroom will be a place where Scholars can come together and learn, create community and build their perspectives.
The Donatos’ endowed gift of $2.5 million to create the academic excellence fund will provide support for faculty or student research projects, the development of new courses or programs, guest lectures and workshops, student support services, educational technology and library resources, community engagement projects and undergraduate student scholarships.
"Investing in academics is an investment in the future. By supporting the college, we’re helping to create an environment where students can push boundaries, think critically and develop the skills they need to lead in an ever-changing world,” said Bill Donato. “This gift will provide resources for students to pursue bold ideas, engage in meaningful research and gain experiences that will shape their futures.”
The Donatos frequently give back to Penn State and are committed to enriching the student experience. Previously their family has endowed three other scholarships: The William and Kathryn Donato Trustee Scholarship, the William and Kathryn Donato Honors Scholarship which support Schreyer Scholars in the College of Health and Human Development and the Smeal College of Business, as well as the Donato Family Open Doors Scholarship for Schreyer Scholars.
Bill Donato was a summa cum laude graduate with degrees in finance and economics. He puts that knowledge to use as the regional president of Patriot Growth Insurance Services. Kate Wiggins Donato graduated from the College of Health and Human Development with a degree in human development and family studies in 1996 and currently serves her community as a social worker. They are both highly involved as alumni. Bill Donato serves on the Schreyer Honors College External Advisory Board, and as the college’s chair for the University’s new fundraising campaign.
“Schreyer Honors College is so thankful for the support from the Donato family,” said Dean Patrick Mather. “At our core, Schreyer believes in academic excellence and community. Scholars will gather for years to come in the Donato Family Classroom, where they will discuss big ideas and how they’ll achieve their goals. They will be able to receive support from this generous endowment throughout their academic journeys.”
The Donato Family Classroom and the Donato Family Academic Excellence Fund 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.