WEPASSIONATE ARE


Charles Kokolskyj loves our beautiful outdoor environment.


In my senior year of high school, I wasn’t sure what my future would bring. I got accepted at every college I applied to but couldn’t afford to go away. At first, I didn’t even know Penn State Abington existed. Then I drove down this busy road and found an oasis, a beautiful campus with trees, a pond, kids walking to class in nature. I had never experienced anything like that before and it became really important to me.


I was 100% responsible for my college costs. When other kids were enjoying the nice weather after classes, I was leaving for a construction job nailing roofs. Abington really caters to that kid who knows they can do this even though they haven’t had things handed to them.


I wanted to fund a beautiful garden with a sitting wall where kids could talk to friends and relax in between classes. I came up with the name “Garden of Promise” because they are all so full of promise. They’re the ones with the brains, the street smarts and the tenacity, the ones who don’t understand the concept of giving up. They’re the future of this country.


– David Rocchino, ’81, Business


I grew up in Sicklerville, New Jersey, and went to Rutgers University-Camden before transferring to Penn State Abington for the community, the connections and the opportunities that are available here.


I spend a lot of time here – it’s really like a second home. The outdoor spaces are inviting to hang out on nice days and the garden really livens up the campus.


The environment here helped sparked my passion for parkour – a holistic training discipline that I follow. Parkour allows you to express yourself through movement and tricks. It’s very freeing and creative because you do what you want and develop your own movements.


To me, our campus reflects this same philosophy. It feels open and promising – welcoming students to explore self-expression and discover a distinct path. Every day here brings a new adventure.


– Charles Kokolskyj, ’15, Business Management, Marketing


Peaceful, easy feeling: David Rocchino’s vision gives students a wonderful retreat on campus.


CONV E R SAT IONS I N C A R I N G


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