FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     Contact: Marisa Bilicic

November 20, 2003                                                                 814-676-6591 Ext. 1215

Clarion University Foundation, Inc. Receives $1 Million

To Develop Two Student Apartment Buildings at Clarion University–Venango Campus

OIL CITY, PA – Three donors have committed a total of $1 million that will be used to construct two new student apartment buildings on land adjacent to Clarion University–Venango Campus. The Edward V. & Jessie L. Peters Charitable Trust is providing a $500,000 gift that will fund a two-story building. The Elizabeth S. Black Charitable Trust has committed $250,000 to match a second gift of $250,000 from an anonymous donor that will fund a second two-story building. The gifts were made to the Clarion University Foundation, Inc. which will develop the buildings.

“We are enormously grateful for the generous gifts provided by these local trusts and our anonymous donor. This project will open the door to the next level of growth and development for Venango Campus and its mission to serve our community,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Clarion University–Venango Campus. “The student apartment project will serve thousands of future students in a growing array of academic programs and inspire the creation of new programs and services that will further address the needs and interests of the region.”

            The Clarion University Foundation, Inc. plans to construct seven attractive, upscale apartment buildings on approximately two and one-half acres of land directly across the street from the Venango Campus on West First Street. It is hoped that the first two buildings, and possibly a third, will be finished and occupied by fall 2004. Each of the two-story apartment buildings for which funds have been committed will house 16 students in four apartments. Students will have a private bedroom and a semi-private bathroom and will share kitchen facilities and living and dining areas with the three other residents in their apartment. The complex, when complete, will include a mix of two- and three-story buildings. Net income from the buildings will be used for the long-term growth and development of the Venango Campus in its mission of service to the region.

            "We have been supportive of Clarion University–Venango Campus in the past and are very excited about this wonderful endeavor,” said Mike and Joyce Hughes, trustees of the Edward V. & Jessie L. Peters Charitable Trust. “Our son attended the Venango Campus and enjoyed the smaller campus atmosphere before going on to the Clarion campus.  We believe this new growth at the campus will be a great asset to the university and its staff and students and will enhance our community greatly." 

When fully completed, the seven student apartment buildings will house approximately 136 students, allowing for a significant increase in enrollment to the nearly 700 students that currently take classes on the campus. First priority for housing will be reserved for full-time students from outside of commuting distance of the campus. This growth will open the door to the development of future academic programs that provide outstanding career opportunities for people in this region, but require a mix of students from inside and outside of the area in order to make such programs financially viable.

“This is the first gift distributed from the Elizabeth S. Black Charitable Trust,” said Stephen P. Kosak of Kosak and Associates, administrator for the trust. “We’re extremely pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile project that will have a significant impact on our community in the years ahead.”

Each two-story apartment building will comprise approximately 5,200 square feet of space. In addition to the apartment buildings, the Clarion University Foundation plans to develop recreational and parking facilities so that the campus’ future housing area will be an appealing and accessible living-learning environment for the students who reside there.

The Clarion University Foundation, Inc., organized in 1969, is a not-for-profit corporation. The Foundation was formed to promote educational purposes in connection with or at the request of Clarion University. It is the organization designated to receive and manage private sector gifts provided for the support of the activities and programs of the University. Such gifts are generated through contributions from alumni, faculty and staff, business and industry, retired faculty members, and other friends of Clarion University.

Clarion University–Venango Campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed. Students can earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. Clarion University–Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community. Special programs offered at the campus include Kids in College, Jump Start and SeniorLink.

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