As Penn State plans for its next comprehensive fundraising campaign, University President Neeli Bendapudi and her husband, Venkat Bendapudi, have stepped forward with a leadership gift to champion areas aligned with their passions, benefiting both students and the wider community. Their $250,000 commitment will be directed primarily to the University Libraries, the Center for the Performing Arts, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
“The Penn State community has always inspired us with its dedication to giving back and creating a stronger institution for future generations. We are excited to offer our own support for programs that are fundamental to the University’s mission,” President Bendapudi said. “From the academic excellence represented and sustained by the University Libraries, to the cultural opportunities and connections made possible by the Center for the Performing Arts, to the vital role that CAPS plays in supporting students’ mental health and wellness needs, we believe in the ‘We Are’ spirit that these programs embody and in helping students in time of need.”
The commitment comes as Neeli Bendapudi approaches the end of her second year as Penn State’s leader. As president, she is focused on extending Penn State’s mission, delivering the highest value to students, and creating an environment that provides opportunities for growth and empowerment for all faculty and staff.
“Neeli and Venkat have truly become Penn Staters during their time here, and this gift is yet another example of their dedication to the University,” said Matthew W. Schuyler, chair of Penn State’s Board of Trustees. “As a community, Penn Staters believe in giving back — and as leaders in our community, the Bendapudis have embraced that spirit. On behalf of the students, faculty, staff, alumni and Pennsylvania citizens who will benefit from their support, I offer our thanks and I encourage all Penn Staters to look for opportunities to make their own impact at our University.”
The University Libraries, where Venkat Bendapudi serves as a volunteer board member, will receive support to help students with financial need access the academic resources they need to complete their degrees.
“Penn State is fortunate to have one of the best institutional library systems in the world,” Venkat Bendapudi said. “It’s more than a repository of knowledge — it’s an active presence and resource in the lives of Penn State students, particularly those who rely upon it for course materials, textbooks and technology. We want to elevate awareness of the University Libraries’ central role in student success.”
Venkat also serves as a volunteer board member for the Center for the Performing Arts, and the couple often attends performances and events there. The Bendapudis said they have been impressed by the caliber and scope of the offerings at Penn State that truly elevate the student and employee experience, and provide a destination to the communities of the Centre region and beyond.
Additionally, the Bendapudis said they hope their support for CAPS reflects their dedication to the well-being of Penn State students, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The challenges faced by young people in today's complex world have become more apparent over the past four years, and we have seen growing demand for the exceptional mental health services that CAPS offers,” President Bendapudi said. “Counseling and other forms of student support aren’t separate from our academic mission — they’re essential to helping students take advantage of all the opportunities of a Penn State education and to thrive, at the University and throughout their lives.”
The couple’s commitment will qualify them for membership in the Mount Nittany Society, among the highest honors that Penn State offers to its supporters.
“During our time at Penn State, we have met so many supporters who tell us that the University has changed their lives. It has changed our lives, too,” Venkat Bendapudi said. “This gift is an expression of our gratitude for the warm welcome we have received here, and it is an investment in Penn State’s capacity for impact on the local, national and international level.”
Donors such as the Bendapudis 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; and increasing the University’s impact for students, families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.
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