Lucky. Matt Putila 鈥�97 describes himself that way. Fortunate to have a secure job as vice president of information technology and chief technology officer at Highmark Wholecare. Blessed to have had a chance to attend college. Raising a family in a better-resourced school district.
鈥淲hat鈥檚 the difference,鈥� he wondered to himself during the thick of the pandemic in 2020, with hardships all around, 鈥渂etween my kids, growing up in a district with more resources, and a kid living somewhere else?鈥�
鈥淚 started thinking about people going through difficult times putting food on the table, making ends meet,鈥� Putila said. 鈥淚 was lucky to have a profession that wasn鈥檛 impacted, where things just kept going.鈥�
Then, 鈥淚 reflected on my grandparents, and my parents,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 grew up around hard-working people, people who help each other and value hard work. My parents came upon some difficult times and persevered through hard work. That had a lasting impact on me.鈥�
A fund named for Matt Putila鈥檚 grandparents helps students fulfill higher education dreams For more information on ways you can help students to dream big and earn a college degree, please contact Tony Mauro in University Advancement at mauro@pennwest.edu or 724-938-1653.