Fall 1999

When Charles P. Pinto discusses family values, the conversation quickly turns to the University of Delaware. The successful businessman, a third-generation graduate whose family's association with the University spans nearly a century, is not shy about proclaiming his allegiance.

In fact, his backyard swimming pool even has a colorful tribute--a Fightin' Blue Hen in a "D" at the bottom.

Pinto's grandfather, Peyton Patterson, graduated in 1911 with a degree in engineering. His father, George J. Pinto Jr., graduated in 1948 and his uncle, Charles W. Pinto, in 1949, both with degrees in engineering. His mother, Rebekah Patterson Pinto, has been a loyal friend to the institution.

Pinto himself graduated in 1969 with a degree in business and economics, having been captain of the University's Middle Atlantic Conference championship golf team. And Pinto and his wife are Double Dels. She's the former E. Joy Brown, a 1972 graduate with a degree in education.

The Pintos believed it would be a fitting tribute to give something back to their University. They conceived of the newly established Pinto Family Scholarship--to be presented to a male or female athlete in any sport who is enrolled in the College of Business and Economics--which honors the family's long association with the University. The Pintos are funding the scholarship through a $125,000 gift.

"We have this long history," Pinto says. "We've been with the University well nigh onto 100 years. When my father was alive, we thought it might be nice to do something to recognize the three generations, to give the University some kind of remembrance of this clan."

Although the scholarship is Pinto's largest gift to the University, it is not his first. He has been a generous benefactor since his graduation, most recently as a member of the Delaware Diamonds Society, UD's most prestigious gift club.

Today, Pinto is senior vice president and chief human resource officer for PPL Resources of Allentown, Pa., a global power and energy company. In addition, he is a partner in a chain of New Castle County newsstands.

Wherever Pinto goes, he promotes the University of Delaware. "I thought the University was a good school when I was there, and that was 30 years ago," he says. "I think it has gotten much better, much more dynamic since. It is one of the best educational values around."