Longtime supporters Joel and Mary Benkie have pledged $35,000 for scholarships. The pledge, to be made over seven years, will be matched by Parker Hannifin, an engineering company where Joel Benkie is a vice president, raising the pledge to $70,000. The company is a longtime university benefactor and a member of the Founders’ Society.
The pledge will be directed in part toward Renaissance Scholars, an academic support program that assists former foster youth. Students in the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences, as well as the College of Business Administration, will also benefit from the Benkies’ generosity.

The Benkies’ two sons are Cal Poly Pomona alumni. Kyle is a 2007 communication graduate, and Trevor completed his international businessand marketing management degree in 2010 and has entered the MBA program.
Joel is a member of the National Development Council, a university advisory panel of influential business leaders. He has also served on the College of Engineering’s Industrial Advisory Council for 10 years.