Don and Nancy Devorris’ Shared Vision Enhances
their Union and Strengthens a Community
From L-R: Colleen Devorris, Felicia Devorris, Philip Devorris, Nancy, Don,
Scott Cohen, Andrea Cohen, Claudia Devorris, Allison Cohen, Max Devorris
(Absent from Photo: Michael Cohen)
Don and Nancy Devorris exhibit passion in every area of their lives.
They are especially passionate about one another. In the company of others,
even after forty-six years of marriage, they engage in playful verbal
exchanges before offering unqualified loving compliments.
The Devorrises are equally passionate about their children—Philip Devorris
and Andrea Cohen and their families, which include five grandchildren. They
radiate when discussing twice yearly family vacations that afford them
uninterrupted time with their loved ones. Residents of Altoona, the Devorrises
are passionate about the community in which they live and work. Between them,
they have served on the board of nearly every charitable and non-profit
organization in Altoona and Blair County, generously giving their time and
financial support. Their community activism is a tremendous source of pride to
them.
The Devorrises also are passionate about Penn State Altoona. Over the
years, both have served in numerous volunteer leadership capacities and
demonstrated a philanthropic example that has inspired many. Last December,
they made a $1 million commitment that represents one of the largest gifts in
the 68-year history of the college. In recognition of the gift, Penn State
Altoona’s Downtown Conference Center has been renamed the Devorris Downtown
Center.
FAMILY PHILOSOPHY
The Devorrises live by a philosophy that many claim to ascribe to, but find
difficult to abide by.
“Enjoy yourself each day,” Nancy advises. “You don’t know where you’re
going to be tomorrow. That’s very important to both of us. We enjoy life. We
like to have fun and enjoy giving back to our community. There are no two ways
about it.”
Daughter Andrea says her view of philanthropy and volunteer service was
shaped at an early age by the example her parents set.
“The saying, ‘your actions speak louder than words,’ has been apparent
throughout my life,” Cohen states. “My parents are exemplary roles models, as
their devotion, leadership, and vision have helped so many organizations. They
have always been philanthropic and deeply committed to improving our
community. Since I was a child, I have witnessed their passion and have been
impressed by their ability to serve on so many boards, committees and special
projects. I know their actions and virtues have inspired me to reach out and
volunteer to help make our community a better place to live.”
The Devorrises’ altruism also has influenced the lives of their sonin- law,
Dr. Michael Cohen, and daughter-in-law, Colleen Devorris.
“They have inspired me to get involved, not only because it is the right
thing to do, it is also the fun thing to do,” Dr. Cohen says. “Giving back is
rewarding and fulfilling, and everyone benefits. I am proud and blessed to be
part of this family and this community.”
Colleen Devorris was living in Manhattan when she married Philip. She
acknowledges that she was “terribly nervous” about the prospect of moving to a
small city nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, but was eventually won over by
the ringing endorsements of her in-laws.
“I postponed the move as long as I possibly could,” Colleen relates, “but
they kept saying, ‘It’s Utopia. You’ll love it!’ It’s been ten years now since
I moved to Altoona, and I can truly say it is Utopia. Their love for this
community has been infectious. Donald and Nancy are one hundred percent
committed to making this little town the greatest place on earth to live and
work and raise families.”
A 1956 Penn State graduate, Don is chairman and founder of The Blair
Companies, a diverse group of businesses that includes companies across the
country specializing in general electrical contracting, commercial
construction contracting, electrical sign and display fixtures manufacturing,
paper, industrial equipment manufacturing, and real estate. He is involved
with various real estate development projects in Blair County, including
Lakemont Park, Sylvan View Golf Club, Blair County Ballpark, Galactic Ice, and
Courtyard by Marriott Hotel. His other real estate projects throughout the
Northeast include office complexes, warehouses, residential developments, and
apartment buildings.
While Nancy will attest that her husband’s mind “functions business
twenty-four hours a day,” there’s a female at home who commands Don’s complete
attention the moment he walks through the door: Giggy, the couple’s Gordon
Setter.
“When I leave a board meeting, I say that I’m going home to see my darling.
Everyone knows who it is,” Don jokes, letting out a hearty laugh and casting a
glance toward Nancy, hoping for a reaction. Not missing a beat, Nancy
deadpans, “She is Donald’s first love,” eliciting the desired laughter from
her spouse, who needs little prompting to display the snapshot of Giggy that
he keeps in his wallet.
The humorous exchanges between Don and Nancy aren’t limited to Giggy. They
tease each other about their Type-A personalities and respective roles in the
household. And then, one or the other will talk from the heart. “I have to be
truthful,” Nancy states. “Donald considers me his queen.” Sorry, Giggy.
For any type of bond between two people— much less a marriage—to remain
steadfast for nearly a half century, there has to be some sharing of common
ground. When it comes to giving back to the community, the footprints left by
Don and Nancy are identical. Taught by their parents that service and
philanthropy are equally important, they are committed to helping make Altoona
and the surrounding area an attractive place to raise a family, earn an
education, seek employment, and conduct business. Once they agree to serve in
a volunteer leadership position, they take their responsibilities and
assignments very seriously.
Don and Nancy in their Altoona home.
“Donny and I are both alike,”
remarks Nancy, who possesses an exceptional penchant for detail. “If we’re
asked to do something, we do it instantly. We don’t procrastinate. That’s very
important to both of us.”
According to Philip Devorris, shared character traits are the fuel that
propels the dynamic nature of his parents’ relationship.
“Both of my parents should be considered Type-AAA personalities—AAA for
both their passion and the energy they devote to every task,” he says.
“Everyone who knows them knows that they are both quick to commit to
worthwhile projects, and once they do, they are equally tenacious in their
pursuit of it. My father has patiently, but relentlessly, worked on some
community projects for decades. If it’s on his list, you can barely say hello
to him without him enlisting your support. As for my mother, she’s every bit
as tenacious, but far less patient! They make quite a team.”
Lee Hite, a longtime friend of the Devorrises and fellow community activist
and philanthropist, has a keen appreciation for the positive impact they have
on their region.
“For many years, Nancy and Don Devorris have been an integral part of the
social, economic and philanthropic fabric of our community,” states Hite,
President and CEO of Altoona-based The Hite Company. “Their combined interests
and energetic involvement span the spectrum of business, cultural, educational
and charitable focuses, and their enthusiasm to ‘give back’ is exemplary. The
Devorris team represents the epitome of being loyal area advocates and
dedicated Penn State supporters—the ultimate essence of hometown community and
Penn State pride.”
Don’s distinguished record of service to Penn State Altoona includes his
21-year tenure as a member of the college’s Advisory Board, highlighted by a
term as chair. His late father, M. Mitchell “Mike” Devorris, also was a Penn
State graduate and longtime member of the Advisory Board who was granted
emeritus status. Nancy served on Penn State Altoona’s Grand Destiny Campaign
Steering Committee and 60th anniversary organizing committee. The couple
co-chaired the college’s first Renaissance Fund Dinner in 2005 which raised
nearly $100,000.
The Devorrises agree that the continued growth and development of Penn
State Altoona will contribute to economic revitalization throughout Blair
County. Thus, through their philanthropy and volunteer service to the college,
they are fulfilling two of their passions.
“We enjoy being part of the community and having Penn State here,” Nancy
said. “This is where we live and we want to see the area grow.” The Devorris
Downtown Center is a fitting tribute to that dream and the very special couple
that embraces it … with a passion.
A Dedication to Downtown
"We are deeply committed to helping keep Blair County
vibrant."
-DON DEVORRIS
Donald and Nancy Devorris’ philanthropic support of Penn State Altoona was
celebrated during the official dedication of the Devorris Downtown Center in
late April. The Center, located at the corner of 12th Avenue and 15th Street,
is home to the college’s Continuing Education and Training Office, Penn State
Altoona’s popular Film Series, and day, evening, and weekend classes. Various
interests also utilize the facility for conferences, workshops, and training
sessions.
In December 2006, the Devorrises presented Penn State Altoona with a $1
million commitment, one of the largest in the history of the college.
“Don and Nancy always have responded to Penn State Altoona’s request for
philanthropic support and volunteer service,” states Dr. Lori J. Bechtel,
chancellor of Penn State Altoona. “This leadership gift serves as yet another
example of their commitment to the college and community. On behalf of the
entire Penn State Altoona family, I extend our collective appreciation to Don
and Nancy for a gift that will further enhance the academic experience for
young scholars and enable us to better serve the ever-changing needs of the
community.
The college’s growth downtown demonstrates once again, and
in a huge way, that Penn State Altoona is committed to our community. With
this expansion downtown, we not only benefit from the restoration of a great
building, but downtown Altoona grows with more employees, more student
activity, and we gain another draw for attracting more business and activity
into the City’s core.”
—C. WAYNE HIPPO, MAYOR, CITY OF ALTOONA
Don and Nancy at dedication
“Once again, the Devorris name is associated with
philanthropy that will positively impact the hopes and dreams of students
while improving the quality of life for all in the region.”
—DR. LORI J. BECHTEL, CHANCELLOR
Over the years, Don and Nancy have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment
to Penn State through a philanthropic vision that has benefited Penn State
Altoona, the Jewish Studies Program, the University Libraries, Intercollegiate
Athletics at University Park, scholarship funds, and construction of the Bryce
Jordan Center. They provided funding to support Penn State Altoona’s
Entrepreneurship Program and to establish the Donald and Nancy Devorris
Scholarship in Electrical Engineering within the College of Engineering.
“We are deeply committed to helping keep Blair County vibrant,” states Don
Devorris, a 1956 Penn State graduate“Penn State Altoona is a strong academic
institution, and as a Penn State alumnus, it brings me great joy to make a
donation to the University, since it is dedicated to growth and meeting the
educational needs of our community and the students it serves. In addition, we
are pleased that our gift will further enhance downtown Altoona and the
revitalization that is in progress.”
“Penn State Altoona is a critical economic driver in our downtown
revitalization efforts. The University represents important knowledge and
infrastructure assets that, if leveraged effectively, can enhance and
accelerate our economic development strategies for the City. The Downtown
Center project, along with their collaboration in our Entrepreneurial
Institute, are representative of that role.”
—MARTIN J. MARASCO, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ABCD CORPORATION
Don Devorris is a past recipient of the Penn State Alumni Fellow Award, the
most prestigious award given by the Alumni Association. His distinguished
record of service to Penn State Altoona includes his 21-year tenure as a
member of the college’s Advisory Board, highlighted by a term as chair. Nancy
Devorris served on Penn State Altoona’s Grand Destiny Campaign Steering
Committee and 60th anniversary organizing committee. The couple co-chaired the
college’s first Renaissance Fund Dinner in 2005 which raised nearly $100,000.
Don’s commitment to his community has led to service on the boards of
numerous professional, charitable, and non-profit organizations. In honor of
his dedication and success, he was presented with the Blair County Chamber of
Commerce’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognized as the Southern Alleghenies
Small Business Person of the Year, inducted into the Blair County Business
Hall of Fame, and selected as Pennsylvania Business Central Entrepreneur of
the Year. He recently received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2006
Award in the Master Entrepreneur category in the upstate New York and western
Pennsylvania regions.
"In Blair County, the Devorris name is synonymous with progress and
economic vitality," Bechtel states. "Penn State Altoona is proud to display
the Devorris name on the Downtown Center."
Three Generations: Don, with son Philip and granddaughter Felicia at
dedication.
