The Legacy of Dr. Mukund S. Kulkarni
Penn State Harrisburg officially dedicated the Student Enrichment Center theatre facility in honor of retired Chancellor Mukund S. Kulkarni in September of 2018. A plaque identifying his legacy and accomplishments hangs at the base of the staircase in the Student Enrichment Center. Here is a portion of the statement on the plaque:
“Dr. Mukund S. Kulkarni joined Penn State Harrisburg in 1985 as a faculty member in the School of Business Administration, and advanced in faculty rank and in leadership posts prior to becoming chancellor in 2010. He retired June 30, 2018.
Penn State Harrisburg experienced substantial growth in its student population, including a record number of international students, during Dr. Kulkarni’s tenure. He built upon the college’s reputation for attracting high-caliber students, highly credentialed faculty members, and dedicated staff members…
Dr. Kulkarni’s leadership was marked by a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness and the belief treating each other with respect and civility is paramount and that education is fullest when we learn from those around us, regardless of differences.”
The portion of the University endowment that benefits Penn State Harrisburg grew by more than $3 million thanks to recent gifts in the spring of 2018 honoring Dr. Kulkarni. The gifts support the naming of the Kulkarni Theatre; the Mukund S. Kulkarni Cultural Series Program Fund, which will support annual cultural programs and performances in the theatre; and scholarships through Penn State’s Open Doors Scholarship Matching Program.
“Facilities for arts and culture have been a dream of mine for years. This facility fills this major gap that existed on the campus and I am honored that it will bear my name,” Kulkarni said. “I am truly humbled by the generosity of many donors and the consideration given by the University.” Mukund S. Kulkarni, April 2018