UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State Athletics received a $5 million gift from Bob and Sandy Poole toward the West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium Revitalization project.
“We are incredibly grateful to Bob and Sandy Poole for their extraordinary generosity and unwavering commitment to Penn State,” said Dr. Patrick Kraft, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “For decades, the Pooles have invested in the University in ways that have expanded opportunities for students and strengthened the Penn State experience. Their support of the West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium Revitalization project reflects their deep belief in the power of this institution and the role our incredible stadium plays in bringing together generations of Penn Staters. This transformational gift will help ensure that West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium remains a premier venue that enhances the experience for our student-athletes, alumni and fans for years to come.”
The support from the Pooles and other donors is vital in allowing Penn State Athletics to execute a renovation plan that will not only preserve the rich history of West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium, but also modernize the facility while making it a year-round venue. The West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium Revitalization project will provide increased revenue benefiting all 31 sports programs at University Park and foster economic growth in the region. The West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium Revitalization gifts will be recognized inside or outside of the stadium at the renovation's completion.
“Our family is honored to support and be a part of Beaver Stadium’s modernization,” said Bob Poole. “Penn State and Beaver Stadium have been at the heart of our family for as long as we can remember. We have made so many memories through the University and its athletic department and we are proud to support this transformational project. This is more than an investment in a building, it is an investment in ensuring Beaver Stadium remains a world-class home for student-athletes, fans, and the Penn State community for decades to come.”
Bob Poole, a 1972 graduate of Penn State's Smeal College of Business with a degree in accounting, is a respected business leader and philanthropist whose impact has been felt across Pennsylvania. He serves as President and CEO of S&A Homes and Allied Mechanical and Electrical, as well as Chairman and CEO of Poole Anderson Construction. His leadership has played a significant role in the development and growth of the Centre Region and communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Poole has been deeply committed to community service and civic engagement. He has dedicated considerable time and expertise to improving access to quality healthcare, serving on the Geisinger Health Board of Directors and working alongside healthcare leaders to strengthen medical care in the Centre Region and beyond. A proud Penn Stater, Poole received the University's Distinguished Alumni Award in 2006, one of Penn State's highest honors. He also serves as chair of the Schreyer Honors College External Advisory Board. Bob and his wife, Sandy, have three daughters and three grandchildren.
About West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium Revitalization
In May 2024, the Penn State Board of Trustees approved investing in a $700 million renovation of West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium, which will grow revenue-generating opportunities, transform the fan and community experience and fuel the future funding for all 31 athletics programs at Penn State. The approved renovations will enable year-round use of West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium, further driving economic growth and development in the surrounding region.
For more information on the revitalization of West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium, please visit gopsusports.com/beaverstadiumrenovation.
About Philanthropy at Penn State
Support for the West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium Revitalization project advances 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.