University Park, Pa. -- Penn State has named long-time benefactors Hal and Inge Marcus of Olympia, Wash., the 2003 Philanthropists of the Year. The Philanthropist of the Year award, debuted in 2002, is one of the University's highest distinctions, recognizing exceptional generosity and philanthropic leadership that improves the quality of life for the Penn State community.
"Hal and Inge's support for the College of Engineering at Penn State has been remarkable," said Penn State President Graham B. Spanier. "They have used their resources to make a significant impact in the discipline of industrial and manufacturing engineering that will be felt for years to come. With their involvement in higher education at Penn State and elsewhere, Hal and Inge are making a difference for generations of students."
The Marcuses' gift commitment of $5 million in 1998 to Penn State's department of industrial engineering ensures the future vitality and stature of the department, which is recognized as one of the top industrial engineering programs in the nation. It was the first department of its kind when it was established in 1908. In 1999 the department was renamed the Harold and Inge Marcus Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering in recognition of their generosity.
"The endowments established by Hal and Inge provide exciting new opportunities for students and faculty, and will help prepare graduates for employment as world-class engineers," said David Wormley, dean of the College of Engineering. "The Marcuses' philanthropy also enables us to develop strong interdisciplinary curricula and research, with manufacturing engineering as a focus."
Through an earlier gift, the Marcuses established the Marcus International Exchange in Industrial Engineering -- A Partnership Between Penn State and Technion (Israel Institute of Technology). This unique program has utilized technology to provide unprecedented international exchange and collaboration for students, despite the tensions and violence that have made traveling to Israel difficult. "Collaboration between the two institutions remains strong and productive," said Richard Koubek, department head.
The Marcuses also are supporters of Penn State Hillel, the Foundation for Jewish Student Life.
A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Hal Marcus graduated from Penn State in 1949 with a degree in industrial engineering. He went on to an international career in his field and later developed a real estate company. He holds a master's degree from the University of Southern California. He is president of Hal Marcus Inc. and American Villages Inc., real estate development and management companies.
In 1998, he was named an outstanding alumnus by Penn State's College of Engineering. In 2000, he was awarded a doctorate of humane letters by St. Martin's College, Olympia, Wash., where he has served in many capacities, including as president of the college's board of trustees.
Originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, Inge met and married Hal while he was on a three-year engineering assignment in Denmark in the early 1960s. Inge earned her B.S. in biology from St. Martin's College and an M.S. in health sciences from Chapman University. She serves St. Martin's as an adjunct instructor in biology.
The Marcuses have led philanthropic efforts at St. Martin's as well, including service as co-chairs for the school's capital campaign for a new library. They provide service and leadership to many Olympia and Seattle area charitable organizations.
The couple has a son, Matthew, who is married and living in the Olympia area. The Marcuses are members of the Mount Nittany Society and lifetime members of the Penn State Alumni Association, and they are avid fans of the Nittany Lions football team.