UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – The Penn State Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation hosted its first Impact and Insights Reception on November 6 at One Vanderbilt in Manhattan. The event brought together Penn State alumni, faculty, and influential figures from the real estate and financial sectors in the New York tri-state area. The focus of the lectures and discussions was on the latest challenges and innovative solutions that are shaping the future of real estate.
Founded in 2022 with a philanthropic gift from Peter and Sharon Cocoziello, the Cocoziello Institute is dedicated to advancing the real estate industry through interdisciplinary collaboration and education. Bringing together industry experts with Penn State faculty and students, the Institute strives to identify and develop novel solutions that improve the built environment, enhance the well-being of its residents, and support sustainable development.
“The Impact and Insights reception at One Vanderbilt focused on the challenges and future of real estate in New York City and the Tri-State area and highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration,” said Peter Cocoziello, founding donor and chair of the Cocoziello Institute. “Real estate is an interdisciplinary industry that requires experts in business, engineering, architecture and beyond. This institute was established to capitalize on Penn State’s academic excellence in these areas and to help establish new interdisciplinary collaborations.”
Welcome and keynote
The event began with a welcome from Edward V. Piccinich, Chief Operating Officer of SL Green Realty Corp., who shared the story behind One Vanderbilt, which was chosen as the venue for its innovation within the built environment. Leading the building's construction, Piccinich offered guests a behind-the-scenes look at its development, highlighting its construction, operational and sustainability features. The 1.7 million square foot state-of-the-art office tower, which opened in September 2020, transformed the New York City skyline.
Gateway Development Commission Chairman Kris Kolluri and Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia delivered the keynote address. They discussed the Gateway Program and highlighted its critical role in the Northeast Corridor, including construction of a new double-track rail tunnel from New Jersey to Manhattan, rehabilitation of the existing North River Tunnel and securing critical infrastructure at Hudson Yards. Kolluri emphasized the economic and environmental importance of the project.
Kolluri also highlighted the importance of educational initiatives such as the Cocoziello Institute in promoting research and innovation and ensuring solutions to challenges such as sustainable development and infrastructure modernization. Taken together, Kolluri said, these efforts represent a commitment to building a more connected and sustainable future for the Northeast region.
Andrew Read, senior vice president for research, Penn State, discussed the intersection between the keynote addresses and the mission of the Cocoziello Institute.
“By highlighting the critical role of infrastructure projects in economic and environmental sustainability, speakers underscored the importance of interdisciplinary research,” Read said. “These keynotes highlighted the role of the Cocoziello Institute and its interdisciplinary faculty base in addressing real-world challenges that can be used to drive transformative solutions in the real estate industry.”
Impact reception and philanthropy
A highlight of the reception was the announcement of a donation to support the Institute by Robert Fenza, Penn State trustee and Cocoziello Institute Advisory Board member. The $50,000 donation provides ongoing program support, which will be matched by the university on a one-for-one basis, for a total impact of $100,000.
“It is an honor to support the Cocoziello Institute with this donation,” said Fenza. “By taking advantage of this unique matching gift opportunity, I can amplify the impact I can make at Penn State, fostering innovation and advancing transformative research to advance entrepreneurship and commercial adoption of Penn State’s intellectual property.”
Penn State President Neeli Bendapudi encouraged other alumni to join Fenza in supporting the institute.
“The Cocoziello Institute is an example of Penn State’s commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and education,” Bendapudi said. “Generous donations will enable the Institute to continue its work to strengthen communities and address the most pressing challenges in infrastructure, public space and urban development, while developing leaders who will shape the real estate industry for years to come.”
Gifts/donations of $25,000 and more to the Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation may be matched through June 30, 2025 or until the $5 million matching pool is fully exhausted. For more information about donating to use the match, contact Heather Winfield, director of campaign and campus initiatives, at hbw11@psu.edu.
About the Cocoziello Institute
The Penn State Cocoziello Institute of Real Estate Innovation is dedicated to fostering research and collaboration across disciplines to address the challenges facing the real estate industry. Through innovative programs and partnerships, the Institute aims to develop solutions that positively impact the built environment and promote sustainable practices.
About Penn State Research
Penn State is a multi-campus, land-grant, public research university that educates students from around the world and supports individuals and communities through integrated teaching, research and service programs. Penn State is an R1 university, a Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Higher Education classification of the top research universities in America, reaching a record $1.337 billion in research spending in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The University's discovery-oriented, collaborative and interdisciplinary research and scholarship promotes human and economic development, global understanding and progress in professional practice by expanding knowledge and its applications in the natural and applied sciences, social and behavioral sciences, engineering , technology, arts and humanities, and countless careers. The university's teaching mission includes bachelor's, master's, vocational, continuing education and extension training, which is offered both as part of assistant studies and through distance learning. Penn State's educational programs are enriched by the talent, knowledge, diversity, creativity, and teaching and research expertise of its faculty, students, and staff. As Pennsylvania's only land-grant university, Penn State provides unparalleled access to education and public services to support the citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond. The university is committed to global collaborations with partners from the private sector, education and government to generate, integrate, apply and disseminate knowledge of value to society.
About Philanthropy at Penn State
Donations to the Cocoziello Institute further the university's historic land-grant mission of service and leadership. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends help students join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success. Promoting research, outreach and economic development that strengthen our collective strength and readiness for the future; and increase the University's impact on families, patients and communities across the Commonwealth and around the world. For more information, visit raise.psu.edu.