MEADVILLE, PA – Aug. 25, 2006– Governor Rendell announced today during a visit to Allegheny College that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is awarding Allegheny $4 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding for its new communication arts center. The college announced $1.5 million of this total amount in January 2006.
RACP is a Commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects.
“Allegheny is grateful to receive such strong support from the Commonwealth on this project,” said Allegheny College president Richard Cook. “This is a win for both the college and the Commonwealth. The college receives the finances necessary to advance the project. The Commonwealth invests in a project that is largely financed from out-of-state sources — through the generosity of our alumni and friends — but for which most of the benefit will be realized in the surrounding region.”
Allegheny not only sponsors performing arts series but also collaborates with an array of local theater, arts and educational groups to provide cultural programming. The college subsidizes events to make them available to a broad audience. Most of Allegheny's public events—more than 75 each year—are free, while others are offered at a minimal charge.
“Allegheny's ability to strengthen and develop its programs and campus is key to its ability to attract talented people who eventually become active citizens in the surrounding community,” said Cook. “It is important that the college, as one of the largest employers in the area, receive the support necessary to continue as a resource for this region.”
Governor Rendell echoed President Cook's comments saying, “This project is great news for Allegheny College and the Meadville area. When finished, this center will add to Allegheny's already impressive reputation, and help the college compete with other institutions of higher education in attracting prospective students. Furthermore, it will help bring more people to the area and that means new economic opportunities for local businesses.”
The internationally known architectural firm Polshek Partnership, LLC has worked with Allegheny faculty to design a theater and communication arts center that will meet the college's specific needs. Among other features, the facility will include rehearsal and instructional areas, video production facilities and a large performance space for hosting public events.
Communication Arts and Theatre is among the college's strongest and fastest growing academic departments. In recent years, nearly 25 percent of students in each graduating class have either majored or minored in communication arts. Each year, nearly 100 students participate in extracurricular activities such as theater performances and Allegheny's student television network.
Allegheny College has raised more than $18 million from individual donors and private foundations toward the construction of the theater and communication arts center, which has a projected cost of $23 million. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held during Allegheny's Homecoming Weekend, and construction will begin in January 2007.
Note: Photos and architectural renderings are available to the news media by calling the Allegheny College Office of Public Affairs at (814) 332-6755.
