Edwin E. Sparks Circle

Edwin E. Sparks, former President of Penn State from 1908 to 1921, lends his name to the Edwin E. Sparks Circle of the President's Club. Members of the Sparks Circle are a distinguished part of the Penn State community because their annual leadership gifts demonstrate an ongoing commitment to our mission and our students.

 

Qualifications of Membership

Alumni, friends, and parents can join the Sparks Circle with annual gifts of $5,000 or more to unrestricted funds, known as Future Funds. There is a university-wide Future Fund as well as individual Future Funds for each college, campus, and select program area. For a complete list of Future Funds and other discretionary funds that count towards President's Club membership, click here.

While all types of gifts are greatly appreciated and valued, only current-use funds count towards President's Club membership. Examples include: cash, securities, gifts from a foundation, or gifts from an individual's wholly-owned company.

Matching gifts to qualified unrestricted funds count towards membership as well.

Use of Future Funds

Unrestricted gifts allow University leadership to take advantage of unexpected opportunities that arise at a complex institution like Penn State.

This year alone, Future Funds have allowed the President, deans, and chancellors to supplement the cost of a faculty research project, provide emergency funding to a student who experienced a family tragedy, and helped the musical theatre program with money for travel to an important performance venue.

Benefits of Membership

The University extends benefits to members in appreciation of their support of Penn State, but most important is the pride you'll experience knowing you are making a difference in the lives of current and future students. Additional benefits include:

• The principle benefit of membership is the satisfaction inherent in making a difference in the lives of Penn State students
• Invitations to the annual President's Club Reception at the University Park campus and other regional events throughout the year
• Research Penn State, Penn State's award-winning research magazine
• Special communications from the President
• A copy of the President's Report on Philanthropy as well as various communications that keep Penn State's friends and alumni up-to-date on the University-wide impact of private support
• Recognition in the President's Club Online Honor Roll
• A designated liaison to assist with Penn State-related needs