 |
 These
artist's renderings show the
Pasquerilla Spiritual Center as it will be seen from the corner of Curtin
Road and Allen Road during the day, left, and at night, above. The board
approved preliminary plans for this addition to the Helen Eakin Eisenhower
Chapel on the University Park campus. |
By Annemarie Mountz
Public
Information
Preliminary plans for construction of the Frank and Sylvia Pasquerilla Spiritual Center on the University Park campus were approved by the Board of Trustees on July 14.
The core of the new spiritual center, which will adjoin the existing Helen Eakin Eisenhower Chapel, will be a large worship space with fixed seating for close to 500. That space is expandable to nearly 800 with the use of three adjoining program rooms that can open into the larger space. These program rooms also may be used independently, with each room's capacity ranging from 100 to 125.
The complex will include several other program rooms that can be used for prayer, worship or other functions; two kitchens, one of which will be kosher; administrative offices; and ample gathering space outside worship areas. An elevator will be added to provide alternate access to second-floor offices and to the basement-level Frizzell Room, and a new entry to the Frizzell Room will be created off the main lobby of the expanded building.
A unique feature of the complex will be a 60-foot masonry light tower, signifying light as a common thread to many of the 32 religious groups registered on the campus. The tower will be at the center of an expanded courtyard, which will tie together the existing building and the addition.
James Oleg Kruhly and Associates of Philadelphia designed the facade of the spiritual center to integrate with the existing chapel. The addition will be built entirely of brick to match the brick of the current chapel, and the roof of the new worship area will fit contextually with surrounding buildings. Slotted windows on the Curtin Road side of the building will add texture to the exterior, and will allow soft, diffused light into the worship area.
The existing Eisenhower Chapel consists of roughly 24,000 square feet. The addition will contain approximately 29,415 square feet, allowing for a greater variety of spiritual and educational activities to take place. Ascording to planners, the new facility shows the strong commitment of the University to acknowledge the importance of spiritual growth as part of the complete education of its students and to do so in a manner that recognizes the spiritual and cultural diversity of its student body.
The expansion will be supported solely by private funds. Major gifts include $5 million from the family of Sylvia and Frank Pasquerilla, former chairman and CEO of Johnstown-based Crown American Realty Trust, a publicly traded real estate investment trust that specializes in regional shopping malls, including The Nittany Mall in State College; $1 million from Joe and Sue Paterno; and $1 million from Bill and Joan Schreyer. Construction of the estimated $9 million project is expected to begin in spring 2001.
Dr. Darrell G. Kirch, who on July 1 assumed the roles of senior vice president for health affairs for Penn State and dean of its College of Medicine in Hershey, addressed the Board of Trustees for the first time July 13.
In his remarks, Kirch related a brief history of the College of Medicine and The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and talked to the board about the current status of research funding, clinical activity, and college and hospital finances.
He also described the college and medical center collectively as a values-based organization and said, "As we move forward, I intend for us to be very explicit about and to openly discuss our core values, while trying to be even more flexible as we rethink and redesign our organization daily."
Among the values Kirch listed as vital to the Hershey campus are open communication, respect, fairness and diversity.
Linked to these core values, said Kirch, are the guiding principles of pursuit of excellence, maintaining balance in missions and creating partnerships and teams. He explained how each of these principles are key to the future viability of the college and medical center.
Kirch also is the CEO of The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. At Hershey, he succeeds Dr. C. McCollister Evarts, who led the medical center since 1987.
For the full story, check the Web at http://www.psu.edu/ur/2000/bot13julkirch.html.
Steven D. Baron has been appointed executive director and chief operating officer of The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Dr. Darrell G. Kirch, senior vice president for health affairs, dean of the College of Medicine and CEO of The Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, made the announcement to the Board of Trustees on July 14.
Baron comes to Hershey from Rhode Island where he was president of Lifespan Rhode Island and president of Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital. In this position, he oversaw all Rhode Island health care operations with 1,234 beds, an operating budget of $680 million and 7,300 employees.
Before that, Baron was executive vice president and chief operating officer of Lifespan, and president of Rhode Island Hospital and The Miriam Hospital from 1994 to 1997. He was president and chief executive officer of The Miriam Hospital, a major teaching hospital of Brown University School of Medicine, from 1988 to 1994, and executive vice president and chief operating officer from 1982 to 1988. Baron was associate executive director of Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Newton Lower Falls, Mass. from 1978 to 1982.
Baron received a bachelor's degree in psychology from Rutgers-The State University, New Brunswick, N.J., and a M.B.A. in health care administration from George Washington University.
July is budget time at Penn State and on July 13 the Board of Trustees heard an informational report on how Penn State's strategic planning guides its budget decisions.
"In contrast to many of our peer institutions, strategic planning and budgeting are closely linked at Penn State," said Rodney A. Erickson, executive vice president and provost. "Budgetary information is factored into the planning process to provide a realistic context for proposed changes and initiatives, and strategic plans are taken into account directly in budget allocation decisions.
"Through this process, Penn State has taken aggressive steps for many years to reduce costs and create more effective and efficient ways of operating, while at the same time preserving and enhancing academic quality," he said. "Specifically, the University has eliminated duplication in programs and services; moved resources to the most promising and effective programs; and shifted resources from administrative functions to support teaching, research and service."
Since the 1992-93 academic year, 58 programs have merged or been eliminated. Guided by a University-wide strategic plan for the years 1997 to 2002, each of the 33 major academic and administrative support units review and, if appropriate, revise priorities each year, taking into account student interest, societal and Commonwealth needs, developments in the field of study and faculty expertise.
Last year, the University also adopted a number of strategic performance indicators tied to institutional goals in the strategic plan.
In addition to internal budget reductions and reallocations, based on unit strategic plans, a number of administrative streamlining initiatives are reducing costs. Some examples include the award-winning electronic approval system that enables the University to eliminate hundreds of thousands of paper forms; a new purchasing card that allows the University to consolidate payments and substantially reduce paper-work; and an increase in Web-based applications for admissions -- 23 percent of undergraduate applications were submitted on the Web and 13 percent of graduate applications this year.
Gary C. Schultz, senior vice president for finance and business/treasurer, reviewed how Penn State is funded, focusing on revenues and expenditures, including costs affecting higher education.
In making comparisons with Big Ten public universities, Schultz noted that Penn State has the lowest state appropriation per student and the highest undergraduate tuition rate in the Big Ten. He also noted that in comparison with public universities in Pennsylvania, Penn State receives the lowest state appropriation per student, well below those of Pitt and Temple, despite the fact that Penn State continues to outpace these universities in enrollment growth.
"In 1976-77 the state appropriation was 54 percent of our General Funds Budget, today it is 33 percent," Schultz said. "During, the same time period, tuition and fees have increased to comprise 60 percent of this budget, compared to 38 percent in 1976."
Overall, he said, funds available to the University per student from state appropriation and tuition -- when adjusted for inflation -- are not much higher now than in 1970. In fact, the University's purchasing power per student is virtually the same as it was 30 years ago, despite the increased cost demands of compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act and environmental legislation, major maintenance and technology. In addition, salaries and benefits have increased as a percentage of the budget.
Erickson outlined a number of other factors that have pushed tuition higher.
"We need to offer competitive salaries to attract and retain a high quality faculty and to cover the increasing cost of benefits," he said. He also explained that funds have been budgeted to increase faculty salaries, which have been slipping behind those of peer institutions in recent years, and to continue adding new faculty positions to reduce class size -- more than 300 positions have been added in the past three years.
Erickson also noted that the University has invested $4.7 million in new initiatives, such as those in information sciences and technology, the life sciences, material science, environmental studies, and children, youth and families -- fields that meet national and Commonwealth needs. Plans are to add an additional investment of $6.8 million over the next several years.
New technology expenses include the growth in computer labs and computer use -- from 16,000 accounts for faculty staff and students in 1990 to 101,000 accounts this year, and from an average of 49,000 e-mail messages per day in 1990 to more than 2 million a day now. In 1995, the University Libraries subscribed to three electronic databases and now subscribe to more than 300.
"These initiatives are costly, but necessary, elements in our efforts to enhance academic quality and improve access to technology," said Erickson. "The need to maintain an aging physical plant and to comply with various unfunded mandates will continue to be other critical factors in Penn State's planning process for the foreseeable future."
The Board of Trustees approved the purchase of a 35-acre parcel of undeveloped wooded land from Neil Edwards for $332,500. The property, which is near the Research Park and bridges University lands in the Big Hollow area, allows more direct access to Penn State agricultural land below the airport.
It also approved the sale of a little more than 4 acres at the Fruit Research and Extension Center at Arendtsville and Biglerville to Chad E. McDannell for $96,500. Included are a two-and-a-half story residence and other outbuildings that are not being used by the University.
In other property matters, the board approved the sale of two properties at Penn State Erie -- the Dumbeck and Davis properties -- to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for construction of the East Side Access Highway. The properties were acquired several years ago for a total of $165,000. The selling price for both properties is $182,100.
The highway is intended to improve traffic on the east side of Erie County. It also will provide more direct access to the college from the city of Erie and Interstate 90 and will open the campus to an even greater outreach role to the state's northwest region. The highway eventually will cross the campus for approximately 1.5 miles. PennDOT is expected to acquire a total of 12 University properties to complete the work.
To highlight the broad scope of activities being carried out at the 118-acre Penn State Research Park, it will now bear the permanent name Innovation Park at Penn State. President Graham B. Spanier announced the new name to trustees at their meeting July 13.
The new name reflects the innovative ideas which form the basis of the growing scope of technology and intellectual property being developed within the University and commercialized and brought to the market place, according to officials. The park provides a prime location where University faculty members and business partners collaborate and access the patent licensing, business incubation and commercial development services.
Karen Dickinson, director of the park, said there will be an official roll-out in the fall for the park's new "identity."
The University's Board of Trustees adopted the park as a phased-development project in 1987 to assist in the economic revitalization of the state. Phase 1 includes the Technology Center Building, The Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel, the Materials Research Institute Building and Daybridge Child Care Center. Phase 2, begun on Aug. 29, 1997, with a groundbreaking ceremony, includes the Lubert Building which is already at full occupancy. In addition, a multi-tenant building is under construction for March 2001 occupancy and another multi-tenant building is on the drawing boards.
Eventually, Phase 2 will provide an additional entrance to the Research Park when I-99 is completed.
Well into its second 100 years of educating students and serving Pennsylvania agriculture, the College of Agricultural Sciences will focus on meeting the ever-changing demands of the food and fiber system by continuing its land-grant mission of integrating teaching, research and extension and outreach, Dean Robert Steele told the University's Board of Trustees on July 13.
The mission for the college in the 21st century, Steele said, is building excellence in teaching, research and extension so that graduates in agricultural sciences can thrive in a world that reaches well beyond the farm gate and Pennsylvania into a teeming global and virtual economy.
For the complete story, check the Web at http://www.psu.edu/ur/2000/bot13julsteele.html.
After a feasibility study of the existing Buck Union Building at Penn State McKeesport, the Board of Trustees learned that renovation costs would approach those for a new structure and agreed that it was in the best interest of the University to demolish the existing facility and build a new one.
On July 14, the board appointed the firm of W.T.W. Architectss of Pittsburgh to build the approximately 24,000-square-foot building for a project budget of about $5.5 million.
The building will include food services, a bookstore, student organization offices, a health center, student activity space and a multi-purpose room.
The Board of Trustees on July 14 approved an increase of 5 percent in the base tuition rate for the 2000-2001 academic year, plus an increase of 1.23 percent earmarked for student support initiatives and facilities improvements.
"This increase is necessary to maintain and enhance the quality of programs in a highly competitive environment," said President Graham B. Spanier. "In order for our students to succeed in their chosen careers, they must have access to the latest technology and state-of-the-art academic and support facilities.
"We are committed to providing our students with the best resources and services to prepare them for whatever awaits them upon graduation."
The increases bring the yearly tuition cost for lower-division students from Pennsylvania to $6,546 at University Park, Penn State Erie and Penn State Harrisburg -- an increase of $384 over last year. Upper-division students at these locations will pay $6,876 per year.
Lower-division students at Penn State Altoona, Abington and Berks will pay $6,436 annually, while those at Lehigh Valley and Schuylkill and within the Commonwealth College will pay $6,340 a year.
Upper-division students at Altoona, Abington, Berks, Lehigh Valley and Schuylkill will pay $6,764 a year and those at the Commonwealth College campuses will pay $6,612 annually.
Penn State operates under a differential tuition plan in which upper-division students and graduate students pay somewhat more than lower-division students. The plan recognizes the higher costs associated with teaching upper-division students.
Graduate students from Pennsylvania at University Park and most other locations will pay $7,484 per year in 2000-2001. Non-resident graduate students at University Park will pay $14,980 annually.
Tuition charges for students who are not residents of Pennsylvania have been set at $14,088 per year for lower-division students at University Park; $12,560 at Penn State Erie and Harrisburg; $9,998 for non-residents attending Penn State Altoona, Abington and Berks; and $9,812 for non-resident lower-division students at Lehigh Valley, Schuylkill and locations in the Commonwealth College.
Spanier explained the money allocated for student support initiatives will allow for the expansion of the highly successful student newspaper readership program that provides students with their choice of national and local newspapers. The program will expand to include all students at 20 undergraduate campuses throughout the Penn State system. The program currently provides papers only to students in residence halls.
The increase also gives permanent base funding support for parking facilities and services at all of the University's Commonwealth campuses; and permanent base funding support of the free campus Loop bus service for students at University Park. The free bus service offered to students was launched in 1999, and ridership has since tripled from 1 million riders a year to 3 million.
In addition, the funds will allow the main level of the HUB-Robeson Center to remain open 24 hours a day and also will support the operation of the new fitness center being constructed in White Building, including 24-hour weekend access. More access to these facilities was requested by students. At Penn State's other campuses, funds will be used to support their highest priority student support activities.
"To remain one of the top universities in the nation, we must continue our program of capital construction for academic and student support facilities on all of our campuses, a priority that is reflected in this increase," Spanier told trustees. "These funds are designated for a number of areas and will be used in part for deferred maintenance, renovations and high-priority new buildings. A focus of this year's budget is to again sustain Penn State's academic leadership and continue the quality of education for which we are known."
With the previously announced room and board increase of 4.69 percent, the total cost of attending Penn State will increase by 5.72 percent. Penn State continues to be one of the most popular universities in the country, with more than 74,000 applications already submitted for this summer and fall -- a record high.
Tuition and fees make up 60 percent of the income of the general funds budget, which supports teaching and research at the University.
By Michael Bezilla
University
Relations
Philanthropic
giving to Penn State reached an all-time high of $170.8 million for the year
ending June 30 and helped the University's seven-year Grand Destiny capital
campaign make good progress, according to a report presented to the Board of
Trustees July 14 by Board Vice Chair Edward R. Hintz, who also serves as volunteer
chair of the campaign.
The total represents a 13 percent increase over 1998-99, when giving reached $151.1 million. This year's fund-raising total is more than double what was raised in 1995-96, the year before the start of the Grand Destiny campaign, when $83.2 million in gifts was received. Giving to Penn State has now increased nine years in a row.
About 71,000 Penn State alumni were among the 118,000 individuals, corporations, foundations and other organizations who made gifts.
"These gifts already are at work to strengthen the quality of Penn State's educational programs and help the University make a difference in the lives of the citizens of Pennsylvania and beyond," Hintz said.
He also noted that the $170.8 million includes about $57 million designated by donors for endowments that support scholarships, professorships, research funds and other academic programs. The University invests endowed funds in perpetuity and uses part of the income to support the programs designated by the donor. Other gifts support annually funded programs ranging from library acquisitions to student recreation, but again, as intended by the donor.
The Grand Destiny campaign counts not only outright gifts but also pledges that will be paid over the next few years. As of June 30, the campaign had secured $807 million in gifts and pledges toward its billion-dollar goal, thus achieving 81 percent of its goal in 57 percent of its time frame. The campaign began on July 1, 1996, and is scheduled to end on June 30, 2003.
President Graham B. Spanier noted that the campaign has already had a tangible impact on students and faculty.
"Thanks to campaign gifts, we have been able to endow more than 700 undergraduate scholarships, establish about 40 faculty chairs and professorships and provide $40 million for graduate student support," he said. "These are the kinds of enhancements that are not available to us through other sources of funds, but that we must have if Penn State is to meet the ever-growing demands placed upon it."
Hintz noted that Penn State faculty and staff contributions to the campaign have surpassed $20 million with nearly 43 percent participation. Members of the Board of Trustees have given or pledged $66.3 million since July 1, 1996.
The campaign gives highest priority to support for undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and academic programs. Donors have given or pledged $506 million for these purposes. Bricks and mortar projects and ongoing support make up most of the remaining campaign targets.
The
Board of Trustees approved the recommendation on July 14 that Dr. Stanley B.
Prusiner, professor of neurology and biochemistry at the University of California
School of Medicine, San Francisco, be granted an honorary doctorate of science
degree at the College of Medicine commencement ceremony on May 20, 2001.
Prusiner received the 1997 Nobel Prize in physiology and is recognized internationally for his contribution to the understanding of a new biological principle of infection. He discovered an entirely new class of pathogens, which he called "prions," that are composed only of protein and replicate without nucleic acid.
Through this work, he created a new field of research that has resulted in significant progress in understanding degenerative diseases of the central nervous system such as Mad Cow Disease, Human Prion Disease and age-dependent neurological diseases.
He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the Institute of Medicine and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences as well as the Royal Society, London. He has won many awards for his research.
Pruisner received his A.B. and M.D. degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, his postgraduate clinical training at UCSF and his research training at the National Institutes of Health as a member of the U.S. Public Health Service.
He joined the faculty at UCSF in 1974.