The Orr family at the dedication of the Orr Family Overlook Mezzanine in the Adler Athletic Complex.
Adults left to right: Penn State Altoona Chancellor Ron Darbeau, Joe Orr IV, Jenna Orr, Donnie Rhodes, Jayme Rhodes, Penny Orr, Joe Orr, Penn State Altoona Athletics Director Brent Baird, Nittany Lion.
Children left to right: Ava Orr, Henry Rhodes, Ivy Jo Orr, Finley Rhodes, Jesse Rhodes, Adalaide Rhodes
ALTOONA, Pa. — In recognition of a significant gift from Joe and Penny Orr, a section of Penn State Altoona’s Adler Athletic Complex has been named the Orr Family Overlook Mezzanine.
The gift benefits Penn State Altoona Athletics. Funds will be used at the discretion of the athletic director and may include support for wellness programs, equipment updates, new initiatives and travel.
“Over the years I have learned what an invaluable asset Penn State Altoona is in our community,” said Penny. “We are so pleased to be able to support our local college.”
The Altoona couple have long been supporters of the college. In May 2022, they established the Orr Family Lions Care, Lions Share Endowment at Penn State Altoona. Funds from this endowment are used for student situations such as medical emergencies and the loss of a parent, job or secure housing and for basic needs like transportation costs, car repairs, living expenses, food and school supplies.
The Orrs recently received the Penn State Altoona Honorary Alumni Award, which recognizes outstanding individuals who, though not graduates of the University, have significantly contributed to the college through their commitment and service.
“Penn State Altoona is blessed to have such kind and generous friends as Joe and Penny Orr, who, despite not having walked its halls as students, still recognize the college’s value, impact and positive trajectory,” said Ron Darbeau, Penn State Altoona chancellor and dean. “Their support of the campus, and specifically of the growth of athletics, speaks to their kind-heartedness and their confidence in the rich future of Penn State Altoona. We are grateful for their willingness to walk this journey with us.”
Joe is a graduate of Lehigh University with a degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in business. He is currently president and chief executive officer of J.C. Orr & Son Inc., the oldest construction firm in Blair County, established in 1882. Penny works as the controller for the company.
“The Orr family is proud to provide this financial support to Penn State Altoona Athletics,” said Joe. “I have found that student-athletes make good leaders in the business world due to their dedication and discipline needed to compete in a college sport while completing their studies.”
Penn State Altoona is an NCAA Division III college and offers a total of 18 men’s and women’s and one co-ed varsity sports.
“I want to thank Joe and Penny for their generous support of our athletic program,” said Brent Baird, Penn State Altoona’s athletics director. “They have long been great supporters of athletics in Blair County and beyond. This gift is just another example of their generosity and dedication to this community.”
Donors like the Orr family 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.
