State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa | Pennsylvania 51st Legislative District
State Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa | Pennsylvania 51st Legislative District
Following a recent announcement from Penn State University's president regarding the future closure of some Penn State Commonwealth campuses, Representative Charity Grimm Krupa has expressed concerns.
Krupa, representing the 51st District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a Penn State alumna, highlighted her personal history with the Fayette Campus. "As a proud Penn State graduate, I know firsthand how important Penn State Fayette is to our community," she said. Krupa relayed her experience of beginning college at the Fayette Campus at 15 years old, facilitated by funding from the Eberly Foundation. She credits this opportunity with shaping her educational and professional trajectory. Presently, Krupa's daughter, who is studying nursing at the campus, reflects the ongoing importance of the institution within their family.
Krupa criticized the potential closure, stating: "The idea of closing this campus is unacceptable." She emphasized the imperative role of Penn State, as a land-grant university, in providing educational access statewide, particularly to those unable to attend State College or afford moving expenses. "Fayette Campus is a lifeline for students who can’t afford to uproot their lives to get a degree," Krupa asserted.
The representative also praised the faculty and staff at Fayette Campus and acknowledged its economic contributions to the community, particularly in sectors such as healthcare. Krupa voiced her frustration with what she perceives as a lack of transparency from Penn State leadership during budget discussions. "The people of this community deserve straight answers, not bureaucratic dodging," she stated.
In her closing remarks, Krupa called upon university leadership to fulfill their commitments as a land-grant institution. "Penn State cannot turn its back on rural Pennsylvania," she stated, urging both legislative colleagues and community members to advocate for maintaining Fayette Campus.
Krupa can be contacted via the Pennsylvania House of Representatives at 724-438-6100.
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