The Mount Nittany Health Foundation recently received a notable contribution from Wayne Sebastianelli, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon and Director of Athletic Medicine at Penn State, and his wife, Michele. Since arriving in State College in 1992, Dr. Sebastianelli has maintained a steadfast presence in both the local and university healthcare communities. His commitment to advancing medical leadership and patient care has shaped not only his career but also his vision for the future of Mount Nittany Health.
Philanthropy has long been a core value for the Sebastianellis. Upon stepping down from his role as Chief of Staff for Mount Nittany Health’s Medical Executive Committee, the Medical Executive Committee and Mount Nittany Health leaders established the Dr. Wayne J. Sebastianelli Fund for Leadership Development. This fund supports educational opportunities in leadership development for Mount Nittany Health physicians and advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
To encourage additional contributions, Dr. Sebastianelli pledged to match all donations up to $10,000. This initiative galvanized community support, and with the combined efforts of 70 donors, they successfully raised $75,000 for the fund. “Michele and I were thrilled to see such a strong response from our community,” said Dr. Sebastianelli. “It demonstrates a shared commitment to developing leadership in healthcare and recognizing the importance of investing in our future providers.” He and Michele are eager to see the fund grow, aspiring to reach $100,000 to further support healthcare leadership education.
The impact of the Dr. Wayne J. Sebastianelli Fund is being felt among its beneficiaries. “Thanks to the Dr. Wayne J. Sebastianelli Fund for Leadership Development, I had the opportunity to complete my MBA and achieve additional leadership training through Stanford’s ‘Advanced Practice Provider Leadership Certificate Program,’” said Seth Nyman, MHS, PA-C, MBA, Mount Nittany Health Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. “Supporting the educational advancement of institutional employees embraces the kinship we know to be present at Mount Nittany Health, while investing in individual achievement that can help support current organizational mission and values. The legacy that Dr. Sebastianelli left as long time Chief of Staff is laudable, and this scholarship’s goal of promoting organizational leadership is fitting. I am incredibly appreciative and very humbled to have benefited from such a noble cause.” Such testimonials illustrate the tangible benefits of investing in leadership development, reinforcing the importance of this initiative for the health system and the broader community.
“The Sebastianelli family’s dedication to leadership in healthcare is inspiring and invaluable to our mission,” said Adrienne Krasowitz, Executive Director of the Mount Nittany Health Foundation. “Their gift has already begun to strengthen our healthcare providers and, by extension, our entire community. We are grateful for their visionary commitment.”
For Dr. Sebastianelli, fostering effective leadership is vital not only for operational excellence but also for quality patient care. “Good leaders recognize that each patient is unique and requires thoughtful, individualized care. Leadership training helps our providers develop the tools to excel in these roles, positively impacting our patients and community alike,” he said.
The Sebastianellis are no strangers to giving back. They have actively championed causes such as the American Cancer Society’s Race Day Soiree and co-chaired the Mount Nittany Health Foundation’s Charity Ball multiple times. Their commitment is grounded in the belief that giving back has the power to strengthen community bonds. “A single large gift or a thousand smaller ones can make a transformative impact,” Dr. Sebastianelli observes. “Every contribution creates positive energy and empowers others to be part of something bigger.”
Kathleen Rhine, President and CEO, Mount Nittany Health, expressed gratitude for the Sebastianellis’ impact. “Dr. and Mrs. Sebastianelli embody the very spirit of Mount Nittany Health,” she said. “Their commitment to nurturing leadership and advancing patient care not only strengthens our organization but also uplifts our entire community. Their generosity will leave a lasting legacy.”
Reflecting on Mount Nittany Health’s role in the region, Dr. Sebastianelli said, “The Mount Nittany Health system has come a long way. When I first arrived, we only had four emergency room bays. Now, with state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive care close to home, our community has access to the resources they need without having to travel far. I always tell people, ‘Expert care is good; expert care close to home is better.’”
Dr. and Mrs. Sebastianelli’s continued support emphasizes their commitment to Mount Nittany Health’s mission of enhancing healthcare in our community. Through their generosity and vision, they not only inspire others to invest in the future of medicine, but also help to build a legacy of strength, leadership, and compassion that will shape patient care for generations to come.