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ALTOONA, Pa. — Penn State is mourning the passing of Steve Sheetz, a Distinguished Alumnus and visionary business leader who, with his wife Nancy Sheetz, was the most generous donor in the history of Penn State Altoona.

As longtime philanthropic leaders, Steve and Nancy made gifts to the University totaling nearly $40 million, establishing numerous endowments at Penn State Altoona to benefit students, faculty, and the broader community. Their support created the Sheetz Family Health Center, the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, and the Sheetz Fellows Program, while also sustaining scholarships, program and faculty funds, a student food pantry fund, and a student emergency fund to ensure lasting impact in perpetuity. Together, these investments encourage students and Altoona residents alike to follow in their footsteps as leaders for the region and the commonwealth.

"Steve Sheetz believed deeply in the potential of central Pennsylvania and Penn State Altoona students,” said President Neeli Bendapudi. “Steve and Nancy have been remarkable friends to the college, to the University and to the aspiring entrepreneurs and ambitious undergraduates who have benefited from their vision and support. Steve’s humility, dedication and generosity with his time as well as his philanthropy has set a powerful example for the Penn State community, and I am among the many who are deeply saddened by his loss and who are offering our sympathy to the Sheetz family.”

Sheetz, a native of Altoona, earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State in 1969 and went on to play a pivotal role in growing Sheetz Inc. into one of the nation's largest family-owned-and-operated convenience store chains. With Nancy, he translated this success into transformative impact at his hometown campus. The Sheetz Fellows Program offers mentorship, special programming and financial support to Penn State Altoona students, empowering them to pursue a Penn State education and prepare for meaningful careers and lives of service. The program makes its home at the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, which offers a range of educational and professional opportunities for both students and local citizens.

“Steve Sheetz believed in people — especially young people — and in the power of education to change lives,” said Ron Darbeau, chancellor and dean of Penn State Altoona. “His generosity and vision have shaped this campus in ways that will be felt for generations. We are profoundly grateful for his legacy and deeply saddened by his passing.”

Sheetz served as a member of the University's Board of Trustees and had been a member of the Altoona campus’ advisory board since 1984. He also chaired several fundraising initiatives on behalf of Penn State Altoona. He was named a Distinguished Alumnus in 1994, the highest recognition Penn State bestows upon its graduates, and in 1999 he was named an Alumni Fellow, the most prestigious honor given by the Penn State Alumni Association. In 2015, Steve and Nancy were named Penn State Altoona Renaissance Honorees, and they both have served as Presidential Counselors since 2010.

Beyond the University and throughout his life, Sheetz championed philanthropy and civic engagement, providing leadership gifts to numerous local and regional organizations and strengthening communities across central Pennsylvania.

“At Penn State Altoona, Sheetz’s legacy is reflected not only in the Sheetz Fellows Program, but also in the countless students whose lives were changed by his belief in their potential,” said Donna Bon, the Steve and Nancy Sheetz Senior Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership at Penn State Altoona. “His commitment to access, opportunity and community continues to serve as a guiding example for the college. Steve’s life and leadership will remain an inspiration for all of us who knew him — and for every future business leader who benefits from the programs he pioneered — for many years to come.”

A viewing will be held at Penn State Altoona’s Adler Athletic Complex from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, and a service will be held at the Blair County Convention Center at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24.