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IUP-Punxsutawney formally dedicates Learning Center |
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Written by Tom Chapin
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Saturday, 28 October 2006 |
 Cutting a ceremonial ribbon to dedicate the Learning Center Friday were (from left) David Osikowicz, IUP Council of Trustees; Mark Adams, representing state Sen. Joe Scarnati; Commissioner Paul Corbin; Peter Winkler, standing in for U.S. Rep. John Peterson; state Rep. Sam Smith; IUP President Dr. Tony Atwater; and IUP-Punxsutawney Dean Dr. Valarie Trimarchi. (Photo by Tom Chapin)
By Tom Chapin Of The Spirit
PUNXSUTAWNEY - The former landmark of IUP-Punxsutawney is gone, but it has been replaced by a symbol of a bright future and the university's commitment to Punxsutawney.
"We're forging new memories on the site of Old Main," IUP-Punxsutawney Dean Dr. Valarie Trimarchi said Friday during the formal dedication of the $8.8 million Learning Center on the West End campus.
The ribbon-cutting marks the completion of the $19 million Living-Learning complex on the campus.
The Living Center, an $8 million, 194-bed suite-style residence facility, was completed in August 2005.
A master plan for the complex was presented in 2000, and Trimarchi said she "gained a new appreciation for needing a plan."
Six years later, that plan has become a reality, and there are more than 300 freshmen and dual-enrollment students getting excited about the new things going on at IUP-Punxsutawney.
Trimarchi said the Punxsutawney community has met students with open arms.
"They have invaded this little town," she said. "Many times, little towns are not open to students, especially as diverse as this (campus)."
IUP President Tony Atwater said that when he took office, neither the Living nor the Learning Centers existed.
"In a short span, you have two great buildings here," he said.
IUP-Punxsutawney has come a long way since 1962, when it occupied the former 19th-century elementary school, Atwater said, and the living/learning concept of the new campus emphasizes the university's philosophy that learning should not end outside the classroom.
Referring to an earlier announcement that day of a $1.9 million contribution from the Fairman family for IUP's renovation of the former J.B. Eberhart Building, Atwater said the dedication of the completed Living/Learning Center is "a clear and tangible demonstration" of IUP's commitment to Punxsutawney.
Atwater saluted the efforts of House Majority Leader Sam Smith, a member of IUP's Council of Trustees, and members of the Punxsutawney Area College Trust.
"This Living-Learning project could not have been possible without them," he said.
Smith said despite the chilly weather, "We're going to enjoy this a bit," he said.
Smith saluted trustees, members of the college trust, Trimarchi and interim president Diane Reinhart, who preceded Atwater and helped the Living/Learning concept move forward, helping to break ground for the Living Center in 2004.
Smith also saluted Atwater, who said that underneath the stone was a diamond.
Smith said Punxsutawney defined momentum Friday with the Living/Learning Center, and he predicted that "another ball will be moving in this town before the Eberhart building is even done."
Former IUP-Punxsutawney freshman Brandon Markham described his experience at the campus.
He cited the one-on-one relationship with faculty and staff, and said the freshman experience at IUP-Punxsutawney served as a springboard to success at the main campus.
Rumors suggesting that the Punxsutawney campus would close years ago are only memories now, Trimarchi said.
"We're not going anywhere," she said.
The Learning Center replaces Old Main - which was razed for parking - and houses all of the academic programs, as well as computer and science labs, classrooms and a library; offices; and the physical plant and maintenance offices and functions.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 30 October 2006 )
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