Delaware Valley University alumnus Jim Harteis has donated $71,000 to the university to support student financial aid opportunities and a $1.5 million estate gift to support Delaware Valley’s agricultural programs.
Jim Harteis (left) with fellow alum Patricia Hilton (center) and university president Dr. Maria Gallo (Photo courtesy of Delaware State University).The oldest of 10 siblings, Harteis was raised on a small farm and worked several jobs to put himself through school in addition to relying on financial aid, according to university officials.
After he graduated, Harteis had a successful career in the dairy industry and has had the opportunity to give other students the same kind of assistance he received, according to Bucks County Courier Times.
“There are not too many people who could relate to the importance of financial aid more than me,” Harteis said. “I’m pleased I can live up to a pledge I made to myself and the (university) board to someday help others the same way I got help.”
Harteis’ estate gift the Delaware Valley’s agricultural programs will “allow the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences to continue to be a leader in experiential education,” said school dean Dr. Broc Sandelin.
“By increasing support for student travel opportunities, upgrading teaching, farming and laboratory equipment, and ensuring we continue to train students at DelVal to be future leaders in the ever-evolving fields of agriculture and environmental sciences, they are showing what strong alumni support can do,” Sandelin said.
