“This is a momentous occasion for Seton Hill. Receiving this generous grant award reflects well on the university, its mission and the current capital campaign for the University Center for the Performing Arts,” said President Boyle. “We are grateful for the continuing leadership support of the Richard King Mellon Foundation. The Foundation has been devoted to Seton Hill for many years and played a significant role in the renovation and restoration of our Administration Building and the construction of the McKenna Recreation Center. Seton Hill’s extraordinarily fine programs in music and theatre will now have a house and resources to match their exceptional quality. Community music can now grow in an accessible facility.”

Michele Ridge, Chair of the Seton Hill University Board of Trustees and Co-Chair for the University Center for the Performing Arts Campaign added, “We are delighted by the Richard King Mellon Foundation’s vote of confidence in our project. The challenge component of the Foundation’s grant is certainly an incentive that will inspire gifts as we reach out to alumni and friends. The knowledge that whatever one gives will be matched provides encouragement to make that gift now. It also enhances momentum to spur us on in the final phase of fund-raising efforts for our project.”

The University Center for the Performing Arts, designed by MacLachlan Cornelius & Filoni Architects, Inc., will bring two of Seton Hill’s most vibrant programs – theatre and music – into the heart of the city of Greensburg. The Center will also serve as the completing piece of Greensburg’s Cultural District, with the Westmoreland Museum of American Art at one corner and Seton Hill University at the other, linked by the historic Palace Theatre, the restored Greensburg Train Station, cafes, restaurants and bookstores. Once completed, the 73,000 square foot center will include a flexible theatre, music hall, rehearsal spaces, set and costume design rooms, classrooms, and faculty offices for Seton Hill’s programs in music and theatre. The University Center project is the result of a collaboration among the City of Greensburg, the Redevelopment Authority of Westmoreland County, the Greensburg Salem School District, local legislators, and the Westmoreland Cultural Trust. As of today, the University Center for the Performing Arts Campaign, chaired by Michele and Tom Ridge and Anne and Jack Robertshaw, has now achieved more than $18 million toward its projected $21 million goal.