NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
8 October 2003

HARRISBURG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SIGNALS NEW ERA IN HIGHER EDUCATION FOR PENNSYLVANIA

Harrisburg, PA—Signaling a new era in higher education and job creation for Pennsylvania, Harrisburg’s nationally unique education and economic-development enterprise now has a new name—Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. The name replaces Harrisburg Polytechnic Institute, and more accurately describes the comprehensive, technology-focused university, which integrates an affiliated regional math and science magnet high school and job-creating business incubator within its university programs.

Melvyn Schiavelli, President of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, was joined by Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed, Dave Schankweiler, chairman of the University’s board and students from The Harrisburg University Science and Technology High School (SciTech High) in dramatically unveiling the new name, logo and school colors during a ceremony at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. A large banner was unfurled from the roof of the former YWCA building on Market Street—the future home of SciTech High. Also in attendance were members of the University’s Board of Directors and local education and business leaders.

“Pennsylvania has a rich history when it comes to higher education, The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is another chapter in that remarkable story and this city is proud to be a part of it,” said Mayor Reed. “This university will offer opportunity to our talented young people who we need to keep in our region and in Pennsylvania. With an overt economic-development mission, this University will bring economic growth to this city, the region and the Commonwealth.”

“Our university is a unique state and national phenomenon designed and dedicated to building a workforce with strong capabilities in science and technology—addressing the demand for IT professionals created by the transformation of the American workplace through technology,” Schiavelli noted. “This university won’t simply listen to the business community. It will be part of it.”

Dr. Schiavelli also noted the new name and fresh new approach to higher education emphasizes the university’s unique mission: To provide a quality and adaptable education for students while being an economic-development engine for the Capital Region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

“Students who attend this new university will encounter a classroom experience unlike any other,” Dr. Schiavelli said. “We won’t just teach technology—we will incorporate it into every day life and learning. At long last, students will experience a classroom that matches their tech-savvy needs and expectations.”

The name change will eliminate a great deal of confusion and bring enhanced credibility to the University’s mission. Research showed that the words ‘polytechnic’ and ‘institute’ did not connote a four-year undergraduate and graduate experience. Nor did it inspire potential students and their parents to want to learn more about the University. The new name eliminates that problem.

The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a nationally unique enterprise that provides a comprehensive education while fostering economic development through a seamless web of uniquely integrated entities:

• The Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, opening in September 2005, offers a university education for students seeking careers in information technology—including computer science and applied mathematics, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and biosciences, and distribution sciences/logistics.
• The Harrisburg University Science and Technology High School, a regional math and science magnet high school, opened in September 2003 with 166 students from the Harrisburg and neighboring school districts, prepares students for a university curriculum studying toward degrees in science, engineering and technology. Students are attending classes this year at a temporary location at the Rowland School on Derry Street. Once the $13 million rehabilitation project is complete, the school will move into its permanent location at 215 Market Street, across from the Whitaker Center, in Summer 2004.
• The Harrisburg University Applied Technology Center, opening in spring 2004, provides dedicated space and support services for startup high-tech companies, with a focus on information technology, that addresses the region’s economic-development needs.

Along with the announcement of the new name, the Harrisburg University of Science and Technology launched its new website. To access more information on this event and the University, go to www.hbg-univ.org.

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