FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     Contact: Marisa Bilicic

February 24, 2004                                                                        814-676-6591 Ext. 1215

 Additional $750,000 Donated for Student Apartment Housing at Venango Campus

- Clarion University Foundation, Inc. Selects Contractor; Groundbreaking Slated for March -

OIL CITY, PA – The Edward V. & Jessie L. Peters Charitable Trust has pledged an additional $750,000 to support the development of student apartment housing at Clarion University–Venango Campus, bringing total support from the Peters Trust to $1.25 million. This gift, which will be paid over three years, brings total gifts and pledges to the Clarion University Foundation, Inc., which is developing the student apartments at Venango Campus, to nearly $2.1 million for this project. 

            “We believe this new student housing is a key to supporting the future growth and development of the campus,” said Mike and Joyce Hughes, trustees of the Edward V. & Jessie L. Peters Charitable Trust. “Growth at the campus will benefit our entire community by drawing new students from outside the region to live here.”

            Two buildings that will house 32 students are scheduled to be open this fall. The Clarion University Foundation, Inc. has selected Whalen Contracting of Franklin to develop the buildings. The architect for the project will be Ligo Architects, AIA, based in Slippery Rock.

            “Bruce and I and Lee and Brett Ligo are all very pleased to take part in this opportunity to enhance the options that Venango Campus has to offer the area,” said Bonnie J. Smeal, president of Whalen Contracting. Groundbreaking for the project is scheduled for March 12.

“We’re exceptionally thankful for the generous support of the Edward V. & Jessie L. Peters Charitable Trust,” said Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of Clarion University–Venango Campus. “We’re also delighted to be able to work with a highly respected local contractor to develop this housing.”

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. The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and its Department of Applied Technology. Clarion University–Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.

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