$1 million gift to Honors College reflects Penn State's impact on a lifetime
4/23/2009
University Park, PA—During a recent 20-minute phone call to talk about Jerry Polis’ $1 million gift to Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College, anyone listening in on the conversation would have learned that Polis has an ear for classical music and that he’s bringing a renowned violinist to Las Vegas for a concert; that he appreciates fine art and that the city’s art museum, of which he is a fervent supporter, is thriving; that he’s exploring alternative automotive fuel sources as one of his latest business ventures; and that in recent weeks he had seen three friends from his college days, days that had passed more than 50 years ago at University Park.
But it’s that Penn State connection that comes through loud and clear as the conversation moves into Polis’ most recent gift to support the Schreyer Honors College.
“When Chris Brady, the honors college’s dean, came out and I met him and I found out exactly what they’re doing in the college, I was very impressed,” Polis said.
That visit led to an invitation for Polis to return to campus for a meeting with the college’s External Advisory Board and a dinner at which several Schreyer Scholars shared highlights of their experience in the honors college.
“When I went to that dinner where we had several students speak, I was incredibly impressed with the quality of student and what they were doing and, at that point, I felt this was something I would want to support,” Polis said. “It’s a smaller college than some of the others at Penn State, the students are really motivated, and I thought I could make an impact.”
That impact is evidenced by Polis, and his wife, Lotty, establishing the Jerry Polis Family Honors Scholarship through a $1 million commitment to Penn State’s For the Future Campaign. “Enhancing Honors Education” is one of the campaign’s goals to ensure that scholarships and programs will provide exceptional students with the opportunity to experience the best honors education in the nation.
“I believe the honors college has the opportunity to rank with the Ivy League schools and the top schools in the country,” Polis said. “I think the honors college makes people look at Penn State differently and it raises Penn State’s profile overall.”
Christian M. M. Brady, dean of the Schreyer Honors College, said Polis has quickly emerged as one of the college’s staunchest advocates.
“Jerry has a loyalty to this university that spans more than 50 years,” Brady said. “In the past year or so, Jerry and Lotty have gotten to meet many of our Scholars, and they share our students’ excitement about the possibilities for the future. The diversity of our Scholars’ interests reflects Jerry’s various interests and spirit as well. Jerry and Lotty’s support of the college through this scholarship shows that a place like Penn State is well positioned to develop the best young minds to lead us forward.”
For as much as Polis and his family look forward, he also hasn’t forgotten to look back to where he’s come from over the years and who came with him.
“Most of my closest friends are Penn Staters—I’ve been out of school 56 years, and I’m still friendly with these people,” Polis said. The biggest thing Penn State taught me was how to think, and I believe that’s helped me a lot in life. I feel like Penn State was very good to me, and I would like to be able to repay it in a small way.”
Since graduating from Penn State in 1953 with a B.A. in commerce, Polis has lived in Nevada. He is president of Polis Enterprises, a company with diversified real estate, commercial, and business holdings. His wife and two adult sons, Eric and David, are all part of Polis Enterprises.
Jerry and Lotty will be inducted into Penn State’s Laurel Circle of the Mount Nittany Society this weekend (April 25-26). The Mount Nittany Society recognizes individuals who had made an irrevocable commitment of at least $250,000 to the University. Membership into the Laurel Circle, which recognizes donors who have made contributions totally at least $1 million, is made through an invitation by the University president.
For more information about the Schreyer Honors College, contact Marc McMullin at (814) 863-4543.
