University Park, Pa. -- The cafe in Penn State's new Information Sciences and Technology Building has been named for two University alumni, David and Deborah Reese of Boonton Township, N.J.
Reese's cafe will be located in the central atrium of the building along the bridge level of the three-story structure. Patrons will be afforded views of the nearby Penn State White Golf Course, College Heights, adjacent campus buildings and cars passing below on North Atherton Street.
Reese's cafe, measuring 3,800 square feet, will offer sandwiches, snacks, ice cream, coffee and other beverages to enjoy at the eatery or to take out. Seventeen tables will provide seating for 68 diners. The cafe will be operated by Penn State Housing and Food Services.
David and Deborah Reese are longtime supporters of the Penn State's School of Information Sciences and Technology (IST), donating a total of $1 million to the school. Half of that amount, $500,000, went to create IST's first endowed professorship, while the remaining $500,000 is supporting construction of the Information Sciences and Technology Building. The Reeses also have endowed a scholarship to support IST students attending Penn State Wilkes-Barre.
David Reese, a 1978 Penn State graduate, recently stepped down as the first chair of the IST Advisory Board, a group of 16 high-level executives which provides industry input to further the growth of the school. Reese now serves as chair of the board's development committee.
Deborah Reese is a 1978 graduate of the University with a bachelor's degree in education.
The Information Sciences and Technology Building is expected to be completed this November, with tentative plans for opening ceremonies on Jan. 23, 2004. Straddling North Atherton Street, the 800-foot long structure will link two portions of the University Park campus with a pedestrian-safe walkway.
The $58.5 million building will provide learning, research and administrative office space for both the School of Information Sciences and Technology and the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.