Behrend

ERIE, Pa. — A $1 million gift from Penn State alumni Brian and Pamela Kupchella will advance strategic initiatives at Penn State Behrend, providing support for the college's strategic plan and the Open Lab model of learning. The funding will be administered through the new Brian and Pamela Kupchella Strategic Innovation Fund.

Brian Kupchella serves on the board of directors for the Council of Fellows, which advises Chancellor Ralph Ford and others on the Behrend leadership team. In 2017, he was named a Penn State Alumni Fellow ― the highest award given by the Penn State Alumni Association.

“Serving as a director on the Council of Fellows has given me a deep understanding of Penn State Behrend and its impact,” he said. “Pam and I wanted this gift to express our confidence in Behrend’s future and provide the flexibility to pursue promising new ideas and respond to emerging needs. We are proud to support the programs and efforts that will help shape Behrend’s next chapter.”

Brian Kupchella is the chief executive officer of Clarience Technologies. He leads 27 companies that develop lighting, safety features and digital solutions for the commercial transportation industry. He previously served as president, chief executive officer and chairman of Truck-Lite, a Clarience Technologies company that moved its headquarters and research labs to Behrend’s Knowledge Park in 2021.

He earned a degree in plastics engineering technology at Behrend in 1990. He also holds an MBA.

Pamela Kupchella earned a degree in nursing at Penn State in 1989. She worked in hospice care in Warren County and has served on the board of directors for the Women’s Engagement Council at Behrend.

The couple’s son Nathen earned a degree in plastics engineering technology at Behrend in 2018.

“By investing in our vision, Brian and Pamela Kupchella are improving the student experience for generations to come,” Ford said. “We deeply appreciate their support and the flexibility that was built into this gift, which allows us to quickly move forward with strategic initiatives and partnerships, including the core priorities in the college’s strategic plan.”

Gifts like the Brian and Pamela Kupchella Strategic Innovation Fund advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.