​STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State athletics recently announced a $5 million gift from Bob and Sandy Poole to support the West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium revitalization project. Athletic Director Patrick Kraft expressed deep gratitude for the Pooles’ extraordinary generosity and steadfast commitment to the university. “For decades, the Pooles have invested in Penn State in ways that have broadened opportunities for students and strengthened the Penn State experience,” Kraft said. “Their support of the West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium revitalization project demonstrates their strong belief in the power of this institution and in the pivotal role our iconic stadium plays in uniting generations of Penn Staters. This transformational gift will help ensure that West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium remains a premier venue that enhances the experience for our student-athletes, alumni, and fans for years to come.”
The Pooles’ gift, along with contributions from other donors, is essential for Penn State athletics to carry out a renovation plan that not only preserves the storied past of West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium but also modernizes the facility, transforming it into a year-round venue. The revitalization project is designed to increase revenue across all 31 sports programs at University Park and stimulate regional economic growth. Details of the West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium revitalization gifts will be acknowledged inside or outside the stadium upon completion of the renovation.
“Our family is honored to support and participate in Beaver Stadium’s modernization,” Bob Poole said. “Penn State and Beaver Stadium have been at the core of our family for as long as we can remember. We have created countless memories through the University and its athletic department, and we are proud to back this transformative project. This is more than an investment in a building; it is an investment in preserving Beaver Stadium as a world-class home for student-athletes, fans, and the Penn State community for decades to come.”
Bob Poole, a 1972 graduate of Penn State’s Smeal College of Business with a degree in accounting, is a well-respected business leader and philanthropist whose impact extends across Pennsylvania. He serves as president and CEO of S&A Homes and Allied Mechanical and Electrical, and as chairman and CEO of Poole Anderson Construction. His leadership has significantly contributed to the development and growth of the Centre Region and communities throughout the Commonwealth.
Beyond his professional achievements, Poole is deeply committed to community service and civic engagement. He has devoted substantial time and expertise to expanding access to quality healthcare, serving on the Geisinger Health Board of Directors and collaborating with healthcare leaders to strengthen medical care in the Centre Region and beyond. A proud Penn Stater, Poole’s dedication to bettering the community aligns with the university’s mission and impact.