Ribbon-cutting declares project complete

Friday marked the completion of the fourth and final phase of IUP's Residential Revival, with the ribbon cutting and naming of Stephenson Hall, formerly known as the Crimson Suites.

"This is a landmark day for IUP," said Terry Carter, vice president for university relations.

The building was named for Andrew W. Stephenson, a 1972 IUP graduate and member of the Foundation for IUP Board of Directors. He has also served co-chairman of the Residence Hall Committee since 2005.

Carter called the completion of the project "almost miraculous," citing how the economy continued to grow more dismal as the revival project progressed.

"IUP could not have had a better advocate than Andrew Stephenson," he said. "We are indebted to you, Andrew."

Interim IUP Pesident Dr. David Werner offered his thanks and congratulations to all who took part in the project. He said the revival project is a reflection of the university's commitment to serving students and emphasized the role the new buildings will play in the IUP community.

"These new buildings complement the look of an already beautiful campus," he said. "This project not only meets our primary goal of serving our students, but also serves our home community by attracting jobs and enhancing the economic climate."

Stephenson took the podium, saying that despite it being his name on the building, he wants those who look at it to think of the foremen, journeymen and everyone else who worked on the project.

"We had to be willing to let our daughters and our sons live in these buildings," he said. "If we couldn't make it happen, we had off-ramps.

"Instead of calling it Stephenson Hall, call it home. Home is where you are when all the off-ramps are in the rearview mirror."

Other speakers at the ceremony included Dr. Jacqueline Beck, director of academic planning and assessment in the College of Health and Human Services; Timothy Rupert, president of the Foundation for IUP Board of Presidents; senior communications media major Daniel Minkel; and Dr. Michele Norwood, associate dean for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

"It takes hands to build a house, but only a heart can build a home," Norwood said, calling upon the famous quote. "And hearts have come together to build a home for our IUP students."