An IUP graduate has donated $1 million to the university for use by the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology.
The gift from Terry A. Serafini, of Pittsburgh, a 1961 education graduate of IUP, will be used to renovate the Eberly College of Business atrium, which will be renamed the Serafini Atrium, and to establish the Serafini Outstanding Scholars Program to provide scholarship support to students in the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology and in math education in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
“Mr. Serafini's gift will significantly impact the opportunities offered to deserving and talented students in both business and math education,” Terry R. Carter, IUP vice president for University Relations, said. “Scholarship support is a critical resource for IUP students, and we are committed to aggressively expanding our efforts to secure these kinds of transformative gifts to continue to attract and retain high-quality students at IUP.”
The atrium renovation will complement the adjacent Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, allowing access to the university through this expanded area.
“The Eberly atrium is one of the most highly trafficked areas on campus, and funds for this renovation will help to create a space that showcases the college and our university,” Dr. Robert Camp, dean of the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology, said. “Mr. Serafini's extraordinary career certainly reflects brightly on this university, and this generous gift will add to his legacy at IUP for current and future generations of students.”
Serafini began his business career in 1964 as a computer systems marketing representative for the IBM Corporation. In 1970, he became a co-owner of Computerpeople, Inc., working there for twenty-seven years. During his leadership, the company grew to employ more than 1,300 computer professionals. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, the company also maintained offices in Columbus, Ohio; Cincinnati; Sacramento, Calif.; and Portland, Ore., providing systems expertise in all disciplines to major corporations throughout the United States.
Serafini also cofounded Compucom, Inc., a digital-imaging and microfilm-solutions company in Pittsburgh, and formerly served on its board of directors. Before starting his business career, he served as an officer in the United States Army.
“Visiting IUP this summer and seeing the vibrant campus was a real eye-opener for me,” Serafini said. “I am proud to be a part of the renovation process, and I am honored to be able to impact students through the Outstanding Scholars Program.”
Serafini was honored in 1996 as the Eberly Entrepreneur of the Year.
While at IUP, he was president of the Student Government Association, participated in the ROTC program, and was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity, serving as vice president of the organization.