CLEARFIELD – Officials from the state, county, local municipalities and Lock Haven University turned out for a groundbreaking ceremony at Lock Haven University-Clearfield Campus.
In the works for LHU-Clearfield Campus is a three story health services building with classrooms, lecture rooms, laboratories, faculty offices and special purpose spaces.
According to information provided by Eric Smith, assistant director of public relations for LHU, from the Pennsylvania Department of General Services Bureau of Engineering & Architecture, the building will also be environmentally sustainable. The cost of the project is between $7 million and $9 million.
“This is an exciting day,” said Dawn Datt, director at Lock Haven University Clearfield Campus.
Dr. Keith T. Miller, president of LHU, echoed Datt’s remarks.
“The history of Lock Haven is taking a turn today,” added Miller.
Miller said that construction on the building is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2008, and is projected to be finished in the summer of 2009. Miller also added that the same firm that worked on Founder’s Hall is also working on the new building.
Miller acknowledged all involved in the Clearfield campus’s beginning and growth.
“They are tremendous, tremendous visionaries,” said Miller.
Miller also introduced the two speakers at the event, state Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 Houtzdale and Guy Graham, trustee.
“It’s always a good day when we celebrate new endeavors,” said George. “It’s especially gratifying when the endeavor involves education.”
George called the construction of the LHU-Clearfield Campus one of the most important things to happen in Clearfield County in the last 20 years.
“We don’t all share the same political outlooks or parties,” said George of those involved. “But they (political lines) were all secondary to this achievement.”
“Today I thank with all my heart Dr. Keith T. Miller for keeping this dream alive,” added George.
George said that Clearfield County was hit hard when FCI left the area. He said that instead of sticking to old ideas, the area regrouped and looked to build its future on medicine and technology.
“We have the opportunity to leap further than we ever fell,” said George. “This campus and this project is one of Clearfield County’s greatest accomplishments.”
Graham, a Lock Haven alum, said that when the Clearfield Foundation looked at brining economic development back to Clearfield in 1988, they new they needed educational opportunities to do it.
Graham said that in December 1988, they met with members of the LHU’s administration to discuss a branch campus in Clearfield. Initially the branch campus had to bring in $60,000 a year or have 30 students enrolled a year for five years.
The old Clearfield branch was in an old elementary school in Hillsdale. Graham thanked the staff who worked their. He also thanked the Clearfield County Commissioners and members of the foundation.
“We started because we had people falling through the cracks,” said Graham. “We are giving people an opportunity to get a college degree.”
After the earth was turned, Graham called the project a labor of love
Graham went on to say that the new building will give the campus a chance to grow and add new programs.
“All of you who have contributed, in whatever way, I thank you,” added Graham.
