Pennsylvania State University Abington has announced a $17.3 million commitment from Stephen Taub in support of scholarships and global engagement programs.

The largest gift ever to the Abington campus will create the Taub Endowments and provide deserving students with high-impact opportunities focused on leadership, innovation, and multiculturalism in the areas of education, commerce, and government.

"Steve's generosity ensures that future talented Abington students will be able to afford a Penn State degree in a campus committed to experiential learning, global engagement, intercultural understanding, and ethical leadership in action — values that Steve embodies," said Abington chancellor Damian J. Fernandez. "This gift could not come at a more important time in our history. With the largest incoming class of first-year students, 50 percent of whom are students of color and 25 percent international, this gift positions Abington as a regional leader when it comes to intercultural student experiences and globalization."

A former president and CEO of Mafco Worldwide Corp, the world's largest natural licorice products manufacturer, Taub attended Penn State Abington before transferring to the main University Park campus. Prior to his latest commitment, he had given more than $1.5 million to the school, in addition to a $3 million bequest announced in 2010 for scholarships and intercultural leadership programs.

"Giving to Penn State Abington is a meaningful investment in the skills and knowledge students need to make positive impacts for the mutual benefit of everyone they come in contact with throughout their careers," said Taub. "Understanding diversity among people and societies nationally and globally based upon these learned skills and acquired knowledge are essential for long-term harmony and prosperity for the country and the world."