FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                 Contact: Marisa Bilicic

August 6, 2004                                                                                            814-676-6591, ext. 1215

Clarion University–Venango Campus Assistant Professor Lou Adelson

Establishes Scholarship for Student Housing 

OIL CITY, PA – Clarion University–Venango Campus assistant professor Lou Adelson has donated $10,000 to create the Louis D. Adelson Scholarship Endowment. The endowed scholarship will provide annual funding support to full-time students who plan to reside in the Clarion University Foundation, Inc.’s new student apartment housing at Venango Campus. Preference for awarding the annual scholarship will be given to disabled veterans, veterans at large and other non-traditional students.

            “I know the cost for housing can seem overwhelming to adult students and I wanted to do something to help,” said Adelson, whose experience with providing student housing started early – when his mother rented his bedroom to Venango Campus students after he left the house. “I think that living on campus is the best way to get the feel of college and I hope this scholarship allows students to do just that.”

            Adelson, who served in the United States Army and is a disabled veteran, has been at Venango Campus since 1981 – first as a student and now as an educator. Adelson has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Washington and Jefferson College, a second bachelor’s degree in computer science from Clarion University and a master of science in information systems degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He teaches a series of computer science classes at Venango Campus.

            “Professor Lou Adelson has helped thousands of students obtain their educational goals through his teaching and his caring,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Clarion University–Venango Campus. “Now his generosity will provide life-changing experiences for even more students in perpetuity.  He’s a kind and generous colleague and an inspiration to all of us at the University”

            In addition to his work at the campus, Adelson is a committed community volunteer. He has served as president of the Oil City Rotary Club, as the Jaycee’s district director for Northwestern Pennsylvania and as treasurer for the Congregation Tree of Life synagogue. He also was one of the founders of the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad and currently serves as secretary of its board, chair of its car restoration committee and as a tour guide.

Anyone interested in adding support to the new Louis D. Adelson Scholarship should contact Dr. Chris Reber at 676-6591, extension 1207. Any full-time students interested in applying for the Louis D. Adelson Scholarship should contact the Venango Campus Admissions Office at 676-6591, ext. 1213.

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