Alumnus makes $1.75M gift to establish the Nicholas Subich Center for Entrepreneurship and Media at CU-Lock Haven

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (05/15/2026) — A bold new era of innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning is coming to Commonwealth University-Lock Haven thanks to a transformational $1.75 million gift from alumnus and entrepreneur Nicholas Subich '17 - one of the largest gifts in the 59-year history of the Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF).

The historic investment will establish the Nicholas Subich Center for Entrepreneurship and Media, a high-impact, technology-driven hub designed to elevate the student experience, foster collaboration between campus and community partners and prepare the next generation of business and media professionals through hands-on, career-focused learning opportunities.

Subich's gift includes $1 million in immediate-use funding to support renovations and construction of the center, along with an additional $750,000 commitment to support a new Lock Haven faculty member.

The center will become a dynamic on-campus focal point where students, faculty and the local community converge to turn bold ideas into thriving realities.

"This is a transformational moment for Commonwealth University-Lock Haven," said Dr. Jeff Osgood, president of Commonwealth University. "Nick and Gina's extraordinary generosity reflects a deep belief in the future of our students and in the power of experiential education. The Nicholas Subich Center for Entrepreneurship and Media will serve as a cornerstone for entrepreneurship, creativity and media excellence while creating meaningful opportunities for collaboration between the university and the broader community."

Located in Bentley Hall, the center's first phase will focus on reimagining the building's ground floor into a modern, collaborative environment designed to support creativity, networking and hands-on learning.

The renovated space will feature a welcoming student lounge just inside the building's ground-level entrance, creating a central gathering area for students to connect, collaborate and engage with peers, faculty, alumni and community partners. Adjacent classroom spaces will also be modernized with upgraded technology, enhanced lighting and flexible furniture configurations capable of supporting both intimate collaboration and larger community-facing events.

The center will also include a state-of-the-art podcast and media studio - a resource designed not only for business students, but for media, journalism and students across all academic disciplines interested in content creation, storytelling and digital communication.

Subich said he intentionally envisioned the space as collaborative rather than transactional.

"I wanted this to be more than just a classroom or recording studio," Subich said. "I wanted it to be a space where students can gather, create, collaborate and gain real-world experience together. Whether students are developing a business idea, producing a podcast or building professional skills, this center is meant to help prepare them for career success before they graduate."

"It's important to me that this becomes a campus-wide and community resource," he added. "Some of the best opportunities happen when people come together, share ideas and learn from one another."

In addition to the physical renovations, the center will support programming focused on entrepreneurship, innovation and professional development. A full-time director will guide initiatives designed to equip students with the tools needed to thrive in today's evolving workforce.

University leaders believe the center will significantly enhance the student experience while also serving as a powerful recruitment and retention tool for CU-Lock Haven.

"This project reflects the future of higher education," said Ashley Koser, LHUF executive director. "Today's students are looking for modern, collaborative and technology-driven learning environments that provide hands-on experiences connected directly to career readiness. The Nicholas Subich Center for Entrepreneurship and Media will absolutely become a differentiator for prospective students considering CU-Lock Haven."

"This investment strengthens our ability to recruit and retain students while reinforcing the incredible impact philanthropy has on shaping the future of The Haven," Koser added.

Originally from the Johnstown area, Subich graduated from Lock Haven in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in business administration specializing in finance and economics. During his time at The Haven, he balanced academics with ROTC commitments and student leadership experiences while overcoming financial challenges that nearly prevented him from completing his degree.

That experience - coupled with donor-funded support he received as a student - continues to shape his commitment to giving back.

"Everything I've achieved started at Lock Haven," Subich said. "This university gave me confidence, leadership skills and opportunities that changed my life. I know firsthand how powerful education can be when students are given the right support and resources."

After graduating, Subich co-founded YTS Wealth Management, which has since grown into a multibillion-dollar wealth management platform serving thousands of families across the Northeast. Despite his professional success, he has remained deeply involved with the university through philanthropy, mentorship and service on the Lock Haven University Foundation Board of Directors.

In 2024, he established the Subich Securities Industry Exam Professional Experience Grant (PEG), which helps students obtain industry licenses and certifications prior to graduation.

Koser lauded Subich's latest investment as a defining moment for both the university and its students.

"Nick understands the transformative power of education because he experienced it himself," Koser said. "This gift is about far more than renovating space - it's about creating opportunities, inspiring innovation and ensuring students have access to modern resources that prepare them for meaningful careers and lifelong success."

As Commonwealth University-Lock Haven prepares to celebrate Subich as its 2026 spring commencement speaker this weekend, university leaders say his story - from student-athlete and ROTC cadet to entrepreneur, philanthropist and business leader - embodies the resilience, ambition and generosity that defines The Haven Family.

"Lock Haven changed my life," Subich said. "Now I want this center to help change the lives of future Bald Eagles for generations to come."

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