LHU to Receive $7M from Poorman’s

lhu-logoLOCK HAVEN – Lock Haven University announced today it is celebrating the largest philanthropic gift in both institutional and the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) history from an individual donor. Through the efforts of Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF) who operates on behalf of LHU for the purpose of fundraising, the gift total value exceeds $7 million dollars.

Entrepreneur Stephen P. Poorman and his wife Pamela A. Fisher-Poorman have agreed to a cash and property donation, which includes an irrevocable residual estate pledge, donation of property and a cash pledge all totaling $7.1 million dollars. “We are extremely pleased with the generosity of Mr. & Mrs. Poorman. They have both shown a commitment to Lock Haven University, our students and the community with this gift,” says Dr. Michael Fiorentino, Jr., President of LHU.

The Poorman gift will immediately assist student learning in the College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services. The gift includes a $50,000 pledge for the Poorman Student Investment Fund, a soon-to-be established fund that will assist in teaching students about real-time investments. In addition, Mr. & Mrs. Poorman have also pledged funds for a Scholar-In-Residence program, funds for increased education in entrepreneurial studies, and building upgrades for the business program. As part of the gift acceptance process, Lock Haven University will name the College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services after Mr. Poorman and at a later date host a formal ceremony. “Because the Poorman gift will directly benefit the College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services it is an opportunity to honor their gift with the appropriate naming,” adds President Fiorentino.

“This is a historic moment for Lock Haven University with the naming of the Poorman College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services. This gift will enrich the educational experience of our students for generations to come by providing the College with the ability to achieve new heights in academic excellence,” says Dr. Steven Neun, Dean of the College of Business, Information Systems, and Human Services. “Through this gift the College will be able to strengthen its commitment to student achievement and experiential learning,” adds Dr. Neun.

Steve Poorman is the owner of the Poorman Group, a local management consulting firm. A university release announcing the Poorman gift said his firm provided support services to troubled companies throughout the country. Over the years, Mr. Poorman has operated successful businesses including surgery centers, real estate agencies, restaurants, golf courses, and investment businesses. The release said he has been a role model for students and faculty members as a guest lecturer on many topics including Entrepreneurship, Corporate Strategy and “Turnaround Strategies” for troubled organizations.

Mr. Poorman graduated from Elizabethtown College and Vermont College of Norwich University; he also studied at Penn State University. He is certified by the Institute of Management Consultants, Inc., Institute of Real Estate Consultants, and National Bureau of Professional Management Consultants. Steve is a member of the Institute of Business Appraisers and National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts. He authored many articles for business, law and trade journals throughout the country. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Pennsylvania Retailer’s Association and was a member of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission.  He held the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors for Charles Chips, Inc. and CEO of Nibble with Gibbles, Inc.

Lock Haven University is a member of the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education which is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth, with about 107,000 degree-seeking students and thousands more who are enrolled in certificate and other career-development programs. Collectively, the 14 universities that comprise the State System offer more than 2,300 degree and certificate programs in more than 530 academic areas. Nearly 520,000 State System university alumni live in Pennsylvania.

Back to top button