Pennsylvania Institute of Technology Receives Transformational $3.9 Million Gift from the Walter R. Garrison Foundation

December 16, 2024

MEDIA, PA, December 16, 2024 – The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology (P.I.T.) proudly announces a $3,927,581 gift from The Walter R. Garrison Foundation, the largest capital gift in college history. This generous contribution is set to enhance the College’s educational facilities and further its mission to provide outstanding learning experiences in alignment with Walter R. Garrison’s legacy of dedication to education and innovation.

The gift will fund two major initiatives to bolster P.I.T.’s educational infrastructure:

1. Establishment of the Walter R. Garrison College of Nursing: A total of $2,247,581 will be used to convert existing spaces into a cutting-edge facility for a new Registered Nursing (RN) program. This program, along with the pre-nursing and Practical Nursing (PN) programs, will form the newly designated Walter R. Garrison College of Nursing, with the new name taking effect on January 1, 2025. This naming honors Walter R. Garrison’s commitment to academic excellence.

2. Creation of the “Walter R. Garrison Gateway to Success”: An additional $1,680,000 will contribute toward the modernization of P.I.T.’s main entry space, creating an accessible area for congregation and collaboration, thus reflecting Mr. Garrison’s vision of opportunity.

The college’s history spans 71 years, and over the decades, students have embarked on rewarding careers, making a positive impact on their lives and their families. Today, P.I.T. graduates excel in fields such as nursing, health care management, cannabis studies, and diagnostic medical sonography, as well as many other in-demand careers. This legacy began with Walter R. Garrison, who, in the early 1950s, recognized the need for engineers in aircraft and civil/architectural fields. The two campuses in Upper Darby, PA, hosted classes in mathematics, stress analysis, and technical subjects. By 1976, the Pennsylvania Department of Education had approved P.I.T. to award specialized associate’s degrees, leading to a move in 1982 to the spacious 14-acre Rose Valley-Media campus. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredited P.I.T. in 1983, and in 2021, approval was granted to offer Bachelor degree programs.

President Matt Meyers expressed profound gratitude, stating, “This gift is a testament to Walter R. Garrison’s enduring commitment to education. It empowers P.I.T. to continue his legacy by expanding and enhancing our programs, ultimately enriching the lives of our students and broader community.”

Echoing this sentiment, Barton Winokur, Chairman of The Walter R. Garrison Foundation, said, “Walter believed strongly in the potential of education to transform lives. This gift aims to perpetuate his vision, ensuring that P.I.T. continues to cultivate talent and prepare students for impactful careers. We are honored to support such a vital institution and its mission.”

The Pennsylvania Institute of Technology will continue to prominently display a statue of Walter R. Garrison on campus, honoring his lasting impact. Additionally, a Foundation representative, Walter Strine, a local businessman and philanthropist, has joined the P.I.T. board to foster ongoing collaboration.

P.I.T. remains dedicated to sustaining an educational environment that embodies Walter R. Garrison’s vision, as reinforced by the Foundation’s strategic support.

About Pennsylvania Institute of Technology:

Pennsylvania Institute of Technology is a non-profit college dedicated to providing high-quality education and empowering students to succeed. With a focus on personalized learning and career readiness, P.I.T. offers bachelor degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs designed to meet the needs of today’s job market.