Lock Haven University Clearfield campus recently celebrated the start of construction for a new academic building. Through the efforts of state Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-74 of Houtzdale, the campus received 90 percent funding for the project from the governor's office. From left are Richard Zimmerman, Tony Petulla, David Proctor, James Swistock, Dawn Datt, Rep. George, University President Keith Miller, Roger Johnson, David White, Tom Ormond, Richard Fiore Jr. and Valerie Dixon. (Photo by Gae Kane)

The plans for the building incorporate design elements that permit high standards of energy efficiency and the effective use of local building materials. Certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program of the U.S. Green Building Council, the plans received a Silver Award.

While developing the design for the academic building, architects with IKM Inc. in Pittsburgh kept the project in line with the USGBC guidelines, which concentrate on environmentally responsible, healthy and friendly buildings. The IKM design calls for the use of 50 to 75 percent recycled building materials and incorporates the USGBC-stipulated use of components that are 100 percent environmentally friendly.

Richard Fiore Jr. with Leonard S. Fiore Inc. of Altoona, a general construction firm, explained the building materials must predominantly come from the surrounding region, eliminating the need to transport items over great distances, while also supporting the regional economy. At the same time, serious consideration was also given to both the master site plan and the overall appearance of the campus.

The lower level of the building will offer two fully equipped auditorium-style classrooms to accommodate 80 people each, two health rooms and a large multi-purpose room. The middle level will provide four classrooms, a computer lab and a second multi-purpose room, which will be equipped with a kitchen. The upper level will have two fully equipped labs, prep rooms, staff and individual office spaces, a workroom and a conference room.

The academic building will provide 33,000 square feet of useable space, but will be 41,000 square feet overall when space designated for the mechanical systems is factored into the design.

Lock Haven University President Dr. Keith Miller, who was on site meeting with university trustees, the architect and general contractor, along with state Rep. Camille "Bud" George, D-74 of Houtzdale, commented that the new academic building "is proof that dreams do come true."

Dr. Miller continued, adding, "Everyone has done such a good job; it's time to celebrate the project and the growth of the campus."

Rep. George agreed, saying, "This building and the Clearfield campus have taken root, giving residents the opportunity for an education that otherwise could have passed them by. With the changes in the local economy and jobs in the region, we need to look to the future. We need to offer our young people training and jobs that will provide them with economic opportunity. Lock Haven University has been instrumental in changing both the educational outlook for the region and also job opportunities in the area."

Rep. George, who sought and helped acquire 90 percent of the funding for the new academic building, thanked Gov. Edward G. Rendell for his support of the project. He said it "will provide area students with an education that reflects technological change and academic advancement."

James Swistock, a university trustee, concurred with Rep. George and in turn thanked him for his efforts. "Mr. George, through his hard work, along with the efforts of others in the community, has stopped an economic freefall by providing area residents with this educational opportunity."

Rep. George stressed the importance of the campus, saying, "This campus is a positive force in the area, which will restore the local economy by educating people and training them in the technical aspects of the medical field. We are able to position our community in an advanced mode that will allow us to apply these skills locally in an effective and efficient way."

Among the projects designed by the architectural firm, IKM Inc. was responsible for designing the Pittsburgh board of education building, The Buhl Planetarium, the Phipps Conservatory and the Botanical Gardens and the Hillman Cancer Center.

General contractor Leonard S. Fiore Inc. of Altoona served as the general contractor for the original academic building on the campus.