By making a gift to the University Libraries through her revocable trust, Penn State alumna and supporter Cynthia "Cyndi" Bloom ('68) has solidified her commitment to enhancing students' understanding of the world while honoring her late husband, Gilbert "Gil" Dube.
"Gil and I shared a love of education and its essential role in opening the doors of knowledge and opportunity," Cynthia says. "His passion for learning always inspired me, and I hope that this support will inspire current and future students as well."
Cyndi has generously named Penn State as beneficiary of a percentage of her estate. Having recently established the Bloom-Dube Endowment for U.S. Multicultural and Multiracial Collections at the Penn State Libraries—which will support the University Libraries in procuring materials and collections relating to Native American history, African diaspora, social justice, equity, and more—Cynthia has designated funds from her trust to strengthen the endowment.
"I want to contribute to fostering an educational environment where people are better equipped to listen to and understand one another," Cyndi explains. "The Penn State Libraries are an outstanding resource to thousands of students, faculty, and researchers who are eager to broaden their perspectives, and this endowment will help them in their pursuits."
Cyndi's Penn State story began in 1964 when she enrolled as a first-year student. As she worked on obtaining her Bachelor of Arts degree in broadcast journalism, Cyndi found herself frequenting the Pattee Library for study and research. She eventually began working part-time at the library. As she gained a new perspective on the value of having access to high-quality, expansive collections of knowledge, her love of education was cemented.
After graduating from the University in 1968, Cyndi launched a successful career that included roles in marketing, government relations, human resources, and higher education. Her professional and personal pursuits eventually brought her to the Boston area, and that's where she met the love of her life.
Gil and Cyndi enjoyed over 43 years of marriage. Gil devoted his life to education, obtaining four academic degrees and serving as a professor of management at Cambridge College in Harvard Square. Like Cyndi, he was a staunch champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Following Gil's passing in 2019, Cyndi was motivated to honor her husband by advancing student access to education, knowledge, and research—opportunities close to both of their hearts.
Cyndi further extended her generosity in 2020 by giving $5,000 dollars to support University Libraries' #GivingTuesday fundraising campaign to acquire the African Diaspora 1860-Present Collection. She encouraged her friends and family to join her in making a gift to honor Gil, and 28 people generously responded.
"The support that came through on #GivingTuesday was nothing short of overwhelming," Cyndi says. "I know that Gil would be an ardent supporter of the collection and seeing so many people honor his memory made me very proud to be a part of the Penn State community."
If you're interested in joining dedicated Penn Staters like Cyndi in supporting students, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at Penn State at 888-800-9170 (toll free) or giftplanning@psu.edu to discuss your options for making a future gift.