JAMES J. DURATZ GIVES $250,000 TO UPT CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT

Project Will Honor Helene Duratz

	James J. Duratz, who gifted $250,000 to UPT campus development, and UPT President Michael A. Worman stand on the street that will undergo a complete renovation this summer to unite two sections of campus.

TITUSVILLE, Feb. 21 -- Dr. Michael A. Worman, President of the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, has announced a gift of $250,000 for UPT from James J. Duratz, prominent Meadville resident, member of the of the Pennsylvania Cable Network Board of Directors, and a member of the UPT Advisory Board.  The special gift will be used to create the Helene Barco Duratz Plaza.  The Plaza will connect two portions of campus that currently divide the former McKinney estate and the J. Curtis McKinney II Student Union.

Working with Dahlkemper Associates of Erie, Pennsylvania, a plan for this space has been developed that will unite the two portions of campus with a brick and stone entranceway, a brick-lined walkway with period lighting, a handcrafted, four-sided, lighted clock that is a replica of one that stood in the entranceway of the Chicago Stock Yard for many years, and an information kiosk.  In addition, thirty new trees will be planted and more benches will be placed around the campus green and buildings.

“It gives me great pleasure to watch the creation of this plaza – a lasting tribute and memorial to my wife’s grace and warmth, and a continuation of the Barco’s and Duratz’s long-standing support of the University of Pittsburgh and the Titusville campus,” said Duratz.

The Barco Duratz Foundation supported the establishment of the George J. Barco Center for Continuing Education in 1992 and the Physical Therapy Assistant Program in 1994.  The Helene Barco Duratz Plaza reinforces the family’s commitment to the University of Pittsburgh and UPT.

UPT President Worman said, “It has been gratifying to work with Jim and Helene over the years, and we are very happy to have his support in the creation of this plaza in honor of his wife.

“Visitors often comment on the beauty of the UPT campus, with its natural surroundings and historical buildings,” said Dr. Worman.  “It is an honor to witness the development of the Helene Barco Duratz Plaza, which will serve to magnify and enhance this beauty.”

According to the President, construction is scheduled to begin May 1, 2002, and be completed in August in time for student orientation and the annual convocation.  A special dedication ceremony of the Helene Barco Duratz Plaza will take place in September.

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