UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State University Libraries recently rolled out a new scholarship program with an endowment established by longtime University Libraries supporters Eric and Bonnie Prystowsky. Focusing on work-study student employees, the program goal is to eventually benefit every University Libraries work-study student.
The Eric and Bonnie Prystowsky Scholarship in the University Libraries, established with a $50,000 gift, was created by the Penn State alumni with the aim of supporting student success. It is designated for Penn State students employed part-time by the University Libraries who also receive federal work-study financial assistance and who have achieved or demonstrate the potential for academic success.
During the most recent academic year, 73 of the University Libraries’ 78 work-study students were at libraries at Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses.
“Our hopes are that the students will be able to pursue their academic interests in an easier way with the latest scholarship we have provided,” the Prystowskys said.
The couple has a long history of giving back to Penn State, especially to the University Libraries. Previously, the Prystowskys created a program endowment to support Jewish studies, as well as a textbook and educational resources endowment, to help acquire free and low-cost online course materials that may reduce students’ financial burden of purchasing textbooks individually. The couple also created an endowment for an early career science libraries professorship for a faculty librarian.
The Prystowskys met in 1966 at Penn State, where they both received undergraduate degrees. Bonnie completed her English degree in 1967 and Eric graduated with a microbiology degree in 1969, “but both of us spent many hours together in the Penn State library," Eric said. “Thus, the library was an area of common interest to us and a good way to give back to Penn State.”
Prystowsky added that he and his wife “share a passion for supporting individuals at an earlier state in their career, and the library gave us an excellent opportunity to pursue these goals,” and they feel confident the impact of their library gifts “will foster the education and careers of students and faculty.”
Students who are interested in a part-time position with the University Libraries are encouraged to visit the University’s WorkDay platform found on Penn State Human Resources’ Careers website. All University Libraries work-study students will be considered automatically for the Prystowsky scholarship.
Individuals interested in supporting a University Libraries work-study student scholarship are encouraged to reach out to Wendi Keeler at wak109@psu.edu or 814-863-5449.
Donors like Eric and Bonnie Prystowsky 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.