Ideal and Francis Saldi Gift Inspires Future of Education

"Johnson College kept me out of the coal mines and provided me the skills that allowed me to earn money to pay for college. Whatever success I have enjoyed, I owe to Johnson College."

This is how the late Ideal T. Saldi, '49 described Johnson College when making a $1,000,000 gift to Johnson College with his wife, Frances in April 2022. The Saldi's gift was a milestone for the College, as it was the largest gift from an alum in Johnson College's history, said Dr. Katie Leonard, Johnson College President & CEO.

In honor of the Saldi's gift, the College began construction of Ideal Saldi Hall later in 2022. The 19,000 sq. ft. building was completed in January 2024, and was recently celebrated with a ribbon cutting and ceremony with the Saldi Family and members of the campus community.

"Ideal and Frances' gift will have a direct and lasting impact on our students and the College," Dr. Leonard added. "It inspires us to deliver the best real-world, hands-on, industry-driven education that our students, industry partners, and community expect from Johnson College."

Mr. Saldi was a graduate of Johnson College, class of 1949, Jessup High School, The Pennsylvania State University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mrs. Saldi is a graduate of Archbald High and earned a Liberal Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University.

Mr. Saldi started his professional career at the General Electric Company and was employed there for 18 years, rising through the ranks to become General Manager of one of their businesses. He left General Electric to start several companies beginning with Integrated Display Systems, which he later sold to Refac Electronics in New York City and became president of the combined companies. He later became president of C-Cor Electronics in State College, Pennsylvania, and AM Communications.

In all, Mr. Saldi started a total of 18 companies during his professional career, served on several Boards of Directors, and was awarded 18 patents.