DUBOIS – Though she normally specializes in Educational Support, Diane Gigliotti-Spratt has become a campus historian in recent months. Surrounded by stacks of old books and historic photos, she’s now heading up a project to record the 75 year history of Penn State DuBois in a soon-to-be released book.
The book, Penn State DuBois Proud: Celebrating 75 Years of Service to Our Community (Heritage Books), will be available in mid-May, just as the campus’ 75th Anniversary Celebration kicks off. Gigliotti-Spratt says the full-color, 150 page coffee table-style book will tell the history of Penn State DuBois through stories and recollections of the people who have been involved with the campus throughout its history. “It is going to tell our story through a narrative,” she said. “But a large part of it will also be photos, reflections, and facts gathered from retirees, former students, and community members who have memories of the campus.”
While gathering information to include in the book, Gigliotti-Spratt has had the opportunity to sift through records spanning all seven decades of the campus history. “It has truly been a challenge, there is so much history here,” she said. “But it has been so interesting at the same time, and I’ve learned so much.” She goes on to explain, “I found that the first class to enroll at the campus in 1935 had students who came from nine different communities in the area. Even then, people were traveling to get here and better themselves through education. They did this based on their needs, and the needs of the workforce, but they also did it with the support of their communities. Those are things that were as relevant back then as they are today.”
There is still time for alumni and friends of Penn State DuBois to share their memories, photographs or other items for inclusion in the book. To do so, you’re asked to call Diane Gigliotti-Spratt at 375-4792, or email dubois75@psu.edu.
