On April 1, the development office at Penn State Harrisburg had its BEST DAY EVER.

They received two $1.5 million dollar checks from a single anonymous donor. The checks were accompanied by a letter written from a representative for the anonymous donor.

“This extraordinary gift to Penn State Harrisburg is significant on many levels, not the least of which is its size – the largest single gift ever to the campus,” said Chancellor Madlyn L. Hanes.

Hanes said the gift comes at a time of tremendous growth for Penn State Harrisburg, brought by the high demand for a Penn State education in the capital region.  The gift also comes at a time when financial need among students has risen to unprecedented levels. Hanes said the gift “provides tremendous leveraging power,” to build even greater support for campus priorities.

What does it mean that the gifts were given on April 1? Maybe nothing… it seems to be just a  coincidence.

“The checks and correspondence being dated April 1 did give us pause, but immediate follow up with the donor’s representative put all worries to rest of any April Fool’s Day tricks” said Jason Ketter, director of development.

Anyone have any juicy theories/rumors about the reasoning behind the April Fools gold donation?

[Penn State Live]