Penn State alumnus Steve Sheetz is chairman of Altoona, Pa.-based convenience store chain Sheetz Inc. He began his college studies at Penn State Altoona and graduated from the University in 1969 with a bachelor's degree in business management. He and Nancy both grew up in Altoona and have longstanding personal and professional ties to the city and the greater Blair County [image-nocss] region, as well as to the Altoona campus.
Penn State established the Philanthropist of the Year award in 2002 to recognize outstanding generosity and philanthropic leadership that benefits the University community.
"Nancy and Steve are dedicated to creating opportunities for students and helping them reach their full potential as leaders in their communities and professions," said Penn State president Graham B. Spanier. "We are truly grateful for their generosity and unwavering commitment to Penn State."
Over the years, Steve and Nancy Sheetz have supported numerous philanthropic initiatives at the university and served in many volunteer leadership roles.
In 2009, they made a $2.5 million commitment to Penn State Altoonathe largest in the campus' 70-year historyto expand the entrepreneurial studies program. In 2010, they increased their commitment to $3 million. The gift will fund the creation of an entrepreneurial center and endow the new Sheetz Fellows program, designed to enhance educational experiences through advanced instruction and participation in special projects relating to traditional areas of business: ethics, service and leadership; excellence in communication and business acumen; and international and intercultural awareness. Mentoring will be a key component of the Sheetz Fellows program.
"I try to provide a positive influence. That's what I'm trying to do with this gift to Penn State Altoona," said Steve Sheetz. "I really hope that students in the program will be better prepared for the world they're about to enter, whether it's business or another profession."
Penn State Altoona chancellor Lori J. Bechtel-Wherry described Steve and Nancy Sheetz as "caring individuals who want to share in the nurturing and growth of our community. They are unassuming people who only want to see the best in others."
The couple said they have always been interested in finding new ways to strengthen their community, as well as to promote educational opportunities for young adults. "We didn't have a lot growing up, so we were never in a position where we could give much to others," said Nancy Sheetz. "When I have the opportunity to share with people now, I want to give what I can because I have an appreciation of what it's like to be without. It makes me feel good to share with other people or to make their dreams come true in some way."
With support from Sheetz Inc., the couple created the Sheetz Family Endowed Scholarship and Sheetz Visiting Lecture Program at the Altoona campus. Their gifts also have helped to fund construction of the Advanced Technology Center and Community Arts Center and benefited the intercollegiate athletics program, Penn State Altoona Future Fund and William J. Rossman Renaissance Scholarship.
Steve Sheetz has served as a member of the university's Board of Trustees and has been a member of the Altoona campus' advisory board since 1984. He also chaired a number of 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.
A 1965 graduate of Altoona Area High School, Steve Sheetz, as a teenager, began working in his brother Bob's first Sheetz convenience store in 1960. Upon graduation from college, he became supervisor and director of operations for the four Sheetz stores in operation. He became president in 1984 and in 1995 he transitioned to his current role as chairman of the board.In other company news, former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman and New York Jets quarterback Joe Namath will headline Sheetz's 12th annual "For the Kidz" Golf Classic June 6-7 at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va. Other celebrity guests will include Oakland Raider quarterback Ken Stabler, New York Mets slugger Darryl Strawberry, NFL stars Lavar Arrington, Daryl "Moose" Johnston, Mike Wagner, L.C. Greenwood, Jack Ham, Mel Blount and former MLB standouts Mike "Spanky" Lavalliere, Zane Smith, Kent Tekulve, Andy Van Slyke and Lou Brock. ESPN Sportscenter anchor John Anderson will participate, as well.
The event raises money that is used by Sheetz employees to purchase clothing, toys, and other presents for kids at Christmastime. Sheetz Family Christmas, now referred to as "For the Kidz" began in 1992 when employees of the convenience store chain in Blair County, Pa., raised money to help deserving families during the holidays. The children attend holiday parties that are hosted by Sheetz employees throughout all six states where Sheetz operates.
Last year, the Sheetz Family Charities program raised more than $375,000 and made the 2009 holiday season special for more than 5,100 kids across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. Since 1992 Sheetz employees have raised a total of more than $5.5 million for Sheetz Family Charities and have helped more than 52,000 children.With more than $3.7 billion in revenue for 2009 and more than 13,000 employees, Sheetz operates more than 360 convenience locations throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio and North Carolina. Sheetz provides an award-winning menu of MTO subs, sandwiches and salads, which are ordered through unique touchscreen orderpoint terminals.
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