Ronald and Martha Tirpak, natives of Pennsylvania and trailblazers as the first college attendees in their families, have bestowed a remarkable $1 million gift upon Penn State University. Drawing from their personal journey, the Tirpaks aspire to enhance accessibility through scholarships and bolster engineering infrastructure, fostering Penn State’s evolution.
Ron, an alumnus of Penn State’s College of Engineering, navigated financial hurdles during his academic pursuit, ultimately graduating in 1963. Following their marriage, Ron and Martha established a thriving civil engineering enterprise in Summit Hill, Pennsylvania, contributing significantly to their local milieu.
Their recent philanthropic gesture reflects their steadfast commitment to Penn State’s future. The Tirpaks’ magnanimous contribution will primarily underpin the Engineering Collaborative Research and Education Building, a state-of-the-art facility slated to debut in Fall 2024.
Furthermore, two new scholarships, namely the Ronald M. and Martha M. Tirpak Science Scholarship and the Ronald M. and Martha M. Tirpak Information Technology Scholarship, will extend support to students from Carbon County, Pennsylvania, fostering educational inclusivity.
In addition, the Tirpaks’ benevolence will establish the Ronald M. and Martha M. Tirpak Blue Band Legacy Fund, facilitating the acquisition of new and replacement instruments for the renowned Blue Band.
Rooted in their profound appreciation for music and their family’s musical heritage, this initiative embodies their enduring commitment to Penn State’s cultural tapestry.
Beyond their philanthropy, Ron and Martha Tirpak embody a spirit of community service, remaining actively engaged as volunteers. Their generous contribution seeks to empower future generations, ensuring that pathways to success remain accessible to all aspiring scholars.
The Tirpaks’ transformative donation epitomizes the ethos of giving back, advancing Penn State’s mission to lead and serve. Their legacy will endure, shaping the landscape of education, innovation, and community engagement at Penn State University.