State College Area School District Education Foundation

Jan 5

Alum Gives $1 Million Gift

Inspired by reading about the Campaign for Memorial Field
in the Foundation’s alumni magazine

When the SCASD Education Foundation began planning its campaign to renovate the historic Memorial Field to secure the future of State College athletics, the organization knew it needed help. Without the resources to tackle the effort on its own, the non-profit, established to enhance the educational experience of students within the State College Area School District, reached out to Affinity Connection for support.

By implementing a strategic fundraising program, the Foundation was able to reach potential donors and inspire generous giving. SCASDEF collaborated with its team at Affinity Connection to craft quality communications such as the Foundation Magazine. A mailed edition of the publication fired up one alumnus, in particular.

When Larry M. Beans ’62 read about the project to renovate the field in the zine, the article resonated with him right away. That’s why he decided to pledge a $1 million gift to the Campaign for Memorial Field. He said that giving back to State High is a way to give today’s students what he benefited so much from: a safe, positive setting where he learned lifelong skills.

“When I read about the project in the [Education Foundation] magazine, I thought an awful lot about the stadium. It’s a beautiful, iconic setting and I felt that this was something as a community and as alumni that we can do.

It’s a hard thing to explain, but when I think of Memorial Field and remember Friday night football—the crisp air, the lights, cheerleaders, the band, people in the stands—it was magnificent. I want to see that it’s saved and stayed in the location where it was originally built.”

-Larry M. Beans, Major Donor
State High Class of 1962