"He was your typical Penn State alum," Betty says of her husband, a 1948 graduate of Penn State, who attended two years at the Schuylkill campus, spent two years in the Army, then finished at University Park. "He was so involved and committed." Over the years, Betty found herself catching the fever. Today she even serves on the Penn State Schuylkill Advisory Board, a position that a Tobias has held since its inception 75 years ago.
Through Betty's love for tennis, she also found a way to make a difference for Schuylkill students. Years ago, disappointed by the state of the tennis courts, Betty asked Roger if they could make a donation for their improvement. Roger didn't live to see the upgrades, but Betty was thrilled with the results.
From there, her giving grew. Next, Betty funded landscaping around the courts; then she donated a clock in memory of Roger and his family. To make sure the courts are maintained, she has designated a gift in her will for their upkeep.
Perhaps most gratifying to her, however, have been her gifts to fund scholarships. "I feel so privileged to be able to do this," Betty explains. Each year, she cherishes the opportunity to read a letter from the recipient and to feel a small part of the student's life.
Roger was equally generous. Before he died, Roger set up a deferred charitable gift annuity to make lifetime payments to the couple. Since his death, Betty has been able to count on the regular payments, which she greatly appreciates. When she passes away, the remainder will fund scholarships on the campus.
"Betty Tobias is a truly special friend and supporter of Penn State Schuylkill," Chancellor Dr. R. Keith Hillkirk says. "Virtually everyone on the campus knows and loves Betty and has been touched by her generosity and kindness."