Penn State Health celebrates naming of Golisano Children’s Hospital
Penn State Health unveiled new Golisano Children’s Hospital signage on July 24, marking the next chapter in celebrating philanthropist Tom Golisano’s transformational $50 million gift, one of the largest in the health system’s history.
New signage reflects name change, honors Tom Golisano’s transformational $50 million gift to advance pediatric care, research and education across central Pennsylvania
Penn State Health continued its celebration of the impact of philanthropist, entrepreneur and civic leader Tom Golisano’s transformational $50 million gift with the unveiling of new signage for Golisano Children’s Hospital at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
July 28, 2026
The July 24 event featured representatives from the Golisano Foundation and Golisano Children’s Alliance, remarks from organizational leaders and the unveiling of new hospital signage bearing the Golisano name
The gift, announced last October, is one of the largest philanthropic contributions in Penn State Health’s history and supports the expansion of pediatric services, education, research and community outreach initiatives across central Pennsylvania. It also connects the hospital with the Golisano Children’s Alliance, a national network of leading pediatric institutions dedicated to expanding access to care and sharing resources and expertise.
“As the Golisano name is joined to our Children’s Hospital, the transformational support of Tom Golisano is joined with our commitment to advancing care for children and families across Pennsylvania and beyond,” said Dr. Michael Kupferman, chief executive officer of Penn State Health. “Our first-year allocations reflect both our strategic priorities and Mr. Golisano’s long-standing commitment to children with developmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, cardiac conditions and access to care close to home.”
Penn State Health is directing the first $10 million installment of Tom Golisano’s transformational gift toward key priorities that will advance pediatric care, education, research and workforce development
These initial investments include:
- Planning for a future pediatric primary and specialty care ambulatory facility, including congenital heart services
- Pediatric research and innovation initiatives, including development of a pediatric heart pump and torso assist device
- Expansion of children’s psychiatry and behavioral health services at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center
- Creation of a pediatric sensory-friendly and behavioral health room in the Emergency Department at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
- Launch of a loan forgiveness program for pediatric residents, to support workforce recruitment and retention
- Support for a new neonatal intensive care unit at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center
- Purchase of a neonatal transport isolette for Penn State Health Life Lion
- Recruitment for key pediatric leadership positions at Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health
The allocations align closely with areas identified when the gift was announced, including expanding behavioral health services, strengthening pediatric cardiology programs, advancing neonatal care, training future pediatric specialists and accelerating research and discovery
“Through this partnership, we are strengthening pediatric leadership, accelerating innovation and supporting the physicians and physician-scientists of tomorrow,” said Dr. Karen Kim, dean of Penn State College of Medicine. “The impact will be felt not only in our classrooms and laboratories, but in the care we provide to children and families every day.”
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During the event, Penn State Health leaders, staff, patients and families joined Erica Dayton, executive director of the Golisano Foundation, and Annie Murphy, coordinator of the Golisano Children’s Alliance, to celebrate the partnership and recognize the impact the gift will have on children and families for generations to come.
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