Pennsylvania Western University has received a $3.2 million gift to enhance early childhood education at the Rutledge Institute for Early Childhood Education. 

Karen and Tom Rutledge, who established the Rutledge Institute for Early Childhood Education at PennWest California in 2018, made the $3.2 million donation. 

The university says the latest donation will significantly increase the institute's presence on campus. Morgan Hall will be transformed to support more educational activities, promote physical development and expand the institute's program offerings. 

The expansion will allow the institute to serve more children and broaden its impact on the local community. 

“Tom and Karen’s philanthropic support for the future of the Rutledge Institute has redefined at PennWest what is possible in learning, scholarship, and collaboration," said Dr. Jon Anderson, president of PennWest. “This gift continues to empower our education majors to pursue their passions and provide the community with access to exceptional, innovative early childhood education – without financial barriers.”

More information on the institute can be found on PennWest's website.