Harrisburg University's CONNECT Campaign Raises More than $44.7 Million

HARRISBURG, PA, May 19, 2011 (Press-News.org) Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is pleased to announced that it has surpassed the $40 million goal set for the comprehensive fundraising campaign, CONNECT: The Campaign for Harrisburg University of Science and Technology.

Dr. Mel Schiavelli, president of Harrisburg University, announced that the University has raised $44,728,888 million in The CONNECT Campaign.

The $40 million fund-raising campaign was launched July 1, 2006 and it is scheduled to conclude by June 30, 2011.

Schiavelli told the more than 457 attendees of the 2011 Commencement and Partners Day event, held May 12th in the Whitaker Center Sunoco Theatre, that this is a significant night in the history of the University.

"This is a celebration for those individual donors, community businesses and corporate sponsors who thought enough of Central Pennsylvania to invest in its future with the founding of Harrisburg University," says Schiavelli. "For the last five years, we asked for philanthropic investments, which you so generously contributed. But we realize you gave us so much more. We asked for a building; you gave us a foundation. We asked for a home; you gave us a community. We asked for your vision; you gave us the future."

The University launched the campaign in November 2006 to several hundred attendees during a gala ceremony held in the empty parking lot located at 4th and Market Street. Today that location is the site of the University's $73 million, 16-story, state-of-the-art Academic Center.

The CONNECT Campaign received philanthropic investments from 175 corporations and businesses, 15 foundations, and more than 400 individual donors. Significant campaign leaders included: Select Medical Corporation, The Ortenzio Family Foundation and the Robert and Angela Ortenzio Family Foundation, Jay W. & Mary Cleveland, Jr., Jay W. & Sandra Cleveland, Sr., the Kirchhoff Family, Cleveland Brothers Company, Anthony & Brenda Pascotti, Gary Nalbandian, the Phillips Group, The Hershey Company, J. Randall & Barbara Grespin, Inez and Bennett Chotiner, M.D ., The Lois Lehrman Grass Foundation, Douglas Neidich, Timothy & Mary Webber Weston, Robert & Vicki Dolan, The Novinger Family, TR McIntosh, Reynolds Construction, The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and David & Donna Schankweiler.

"Now that we've built the foundation for STEM education, we must ensure that our university flourishes with the region's best and brightest students. The HU vision means investing in our students, building our community and strengthening Central Pennsylvania's economy," said Schiavelli. "For building the dream, we thank you. For keeping it alive with your ongoing support, our students will."

With further support, Harrisburg University can continue to provide the highest-quality STEM education required for students, says Ryan T. Riley, AVP of Development and Alumni Relations at Harrisburg University.

"This University has been, from the very beginning, an endeavor of, by and for the citizens of the Commonwealth. We are a university born of this community and, with continuing help, our graduates will play a key role in stimulating the growth of Pennsylvania's knowledge-based economy," says Riley.

For more information on the CONNECT Campaign, contact Ryan T. Riley at 717.901.5140 or CONNECT@HarrisburgU.edu

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania's need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University's demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu

Contact:
Steve Infanti
HU Communications
326 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717.901.5146
sinfanti@harrisburgu.edu
http://www.harrisburgu.edu