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Alumnus and longtime LHUF board member aims efforts at growing endowments and scholarships to benefit CU-Lock Haven students

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. (08/08/2025) — When Stan Allen returns to Commonwealth University-Lock Haven - whether for a board meeting, a football game or a student panel - It feels less like a visit and more like a return home.

The Maryland business executive and former Lock Haven linebacker has worn many hats since graduating in 1987: President, philanthropist, volunteer, mentor, board vice chair. But the title that seems to matter most to him - servant leader.

"I get involved because I am grateful and genuinely care," Allen said. "I was given an opportunity to attend college, which changed my life's trajectory. And I hope to help someone else have that same opportunity for growth and success."

Allen, a first-generation college graduate, came to Lock Haven from Virginia Beach, earning Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference football honors and eventually being inducted into the Lock Haven Football Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame. Though his team managed just eight wins across four seasons, the experience helped shape his competitive mindset and his lifelong commitment to giving back.

Since making his first modest gift to the Lock Haven University Foundation (LHUF) in 1996, Allen has become a member of LHUF's prestigious Ivy Lane Society. Over the years, Allen has substantially increased and expanded the way he contributes to the LHUF through gifts to a wide range of support areas - most notably Lock Haven's football and wrestling programs, including Mat-Town USA. His involvement with the Grey Eagles Football Booster Club, establishing a named football scholarship, and participating in fundraising campaigns like LHUF's All In Day of Giving, are prime examples. He's even started a corporate giving campaign through his company, Northeastern Supply.

"I want other alumni to feel this same passion," Allen said. "We must give students the tools to succeed - not just in sports, but in life by providing opportunity and financial resources for talented students in need. Especially considering the rising cost of college."

"Over the years I've learned what philanthropy and service mean," he added. "If you're going to commit to something, give it everything you've got. I'm inspired by the words of Winston Churchill who said, 'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.' "

Now in his 14th year as a member of the LHUF board of directors, and second year as vice chair, Allen has seen the board evolve from a group of individuals and their ideas to a team focused on action and impact.

Allen is committed to initiatives aimed at growing endowments and scholarships, and he's vocal about the urgent need for Lock Haven - and all of Pennsylvania's public institutions - to evolve to remain solvent and competitive.

With just 35% of university funding coming from the state (compared to 63% when Allen was a student), he believes the Foundation must do more than just steward - it must lead.

"We've got to get creative. We need to monetize assets, build partnerships and find ways to grow," Allen said. "The board has come a long way, and I'm proud to be part of that journey."

Allen's leadership style was forged in the fire of sports and honed over 38 years in the plumbing and HVAC distribution industry. Whether on the field or in the boardroom, he believes success comes down to discipline, teamwork and the willingness to be uncomfortable.

"I work from sunrise to sunset and am energized by work," Allen said with a laugh. "I'll sleep when I die."

Allen's energy is contagious. He's not just a donor - he's a mentor, a connector and a recruiter. It's why students remember him, and why he sometimes hears from past scholarship recipients who benefited from his support. One former recipient, now alumnus and assistant director of admissions at CU-Lock Haven, approached him at a game to say: "Your support helped me get here."

"Start anywhere - volunteer, donate $100, join a committee," Allen said. "It grows from there. What matters is showing students that alumni care."

Along with football, Allen is also an avid supporter of Lock Haven wrestling, two sports he says are cornerstones of Pennsylvania culture and university pride. He believes strong athletic programs attract students, drive revenue and lift morale across campus.

Despite everything he's done, Allen is rarely satisfied and always asking: 'What more can I do? Who else can I bring in? How can we grow this thing together?'

"I had such a great experience at Lock Haven and I'm grateful to be able to give back," Allen said. "If enough of us do that - whether it's $100 or $100,000 - we can change lives."

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