Saint Vincent College announced today the largest building project in its history -- a major expansion of its science buildings that will be named The Sis and Herman Dupré Science Complex in recognition of a $7.6 million gift from the family and friends of Sis and Herman.

This gift, the second largest in its history, will enable Saint Vincent College to house the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Computing, in one of the premier undergraduate educational facilities in the United States. It also initiates a $40 million fundraising project that will finance the expansion of the Science Complex as well as provide endowment for science faculty professorships, student scholarships and research and ongoing facility operation and maintenance.

"This is the largest and most exciting project in the 162-year history of Saint Vincent College and I am pleased that the Boyer School will find a home in a state-of-the-art facility named in honor of Sis and Herman Dupré," Jim Towey, President of Saint Vincent College, said.

Herman Dupré graduated from Saint Vincent College in 1953 and was honored by Saint Vincent College in 1998 with the conferral of an honorary Doctor of Science Degree. An inventor and entrepreneur, Mr. Dupré holds 34 U.S. patents and developed one of the largest snowmaking systems in the world at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Champion, Pennsylvania. He is the chief engineer for Snow Economics, Inc. and his system is used worldwide. Mr. Dupré served as chief executive officer of Seven Springs for 40 years prior to his retirement in 1992. The former Mary "Sis" McSwigan, was originally from Pittsburgh and enjoyed an outstanding career as a teacher of English and Physical Education in the Pittsburgh City School System. The couple has nine daughters -- Denise, Laura, Rosi, Anni, Janeen, Heidi, Gretl, Michele and Reneé. Sis and Herman Dupré have always recognized the importance of education, especially the role played by high school teachers and have supported Saint Vincent College in this common goal. They established the College's Great Teacher Recognition Program which recognizes the influential secondary school teachers of Saint Vincent freshmen.

"Sis and Herman Dupré embody the spirit of Boniface Wimmer, our founder, in every dimension of their lives and his motto -- Forward, Always Forward, Everywhere Forward -- summarizes the energy and enthusiasm they have toward education and its importance in shaping the minds and hearts of students," Archabbot Douglas R. Nowicki, O.S.B., commented. "The entire Saint Vincent community is deeply grateful for this generous gift which will honor two incredible individuals whose vision and wisdom will continue to be an inspiration to future generations of students who will come to Saint Vincent to explore the rapidly expanding world of science."

The planned building project will renovate nearly 60,000 square feet of space and add another 45,000 square feet of new construction to the original Science Center built in 1969. To allow for expanded hands-on learning opportunities, more than 60 percent of the space will be dedicated to labs and lab support. The additional space will also help meet the needs of an increasing number of students enrolling in the sciences at Saint Vincent. Enrollment has grown by more than 30 percent during the past five years and currently one in three students entering Saint Vincent major in the Boyer School.

The concept for the planned Science Complex, prepared by the Pittsburgh firm of MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni, Inc., is an open design. All the disciplines -- natural sciences, mathematics, and computing -- will share classrooms, computer labs, conference rooms, lounges and a 75-seat lecture hall. The natural sciences -- biology, chemistry and physics -- also will share lab space and resources. The labs are being designed by Research Facilities Design of San Diego. A three-story all-glass atrium will serve as a window to the natural world and a welcoming gateway into the building, reflecting the Benedictine tradition of hospitality.

The new building will offer an expanded array of investigative learning options with labs for cell genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, astronomy, electronics, digital imaging, anatomy and general biology, physics and chemistry. There will also be specialized labs for research in biochemistry, physical chemistry, environmental science, anatomy and other areas.

The goal is for the project to become Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified by improving the quality of the site, reducing water and energy consumption, using materials that reduce the impact on the environment, and providing a healthy and safe place for faculty members and students to work. Current plans are for the Science Complex project to be completed by September 2011.

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