About the Friedmans

Sidney and Pauline Friedman have been long-time supports of Penn State University, particularly the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus. Since 1985, the Friedmans have engaged in a number of projects to bring advanced technology resources to Penn State students.

One of the projects closest to their hearts is the Friedman Observatory at Penn State Wilkes-Barre. By establishing the first observatory in the area, they felt that they could offer students a rare opportunity to expand the way they understood the universe and themselves. They also believed that an observatory would be important for the wider community, offering an exciting educational resource for students from other institutions, children, and adults.

Additionally, with the opening of the Abram Nesbitt Academic Commons in 2008, the Friedmans gifted the campus with the Friedman Art Gallery. The gallery is a space in the Academic Commons to display the work of students and local artists, as well as private collections.

Pauline Friedman served on the campus advisory board and was the recipient of the Phillip Mitchell Alumni Service Award. Although Pauline passed away in December 2008, the generosity and commitment she and Sidney have shown towards Penn State Wilkes-Barre will continue to be felt and appreciated for years to come.