UPJ Receives $4 Million State Grant for New Nursing, Health Sciences Building

Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell (left) and Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar

The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown has received $4 million in state funds for the construction of a new nursing and health sciences building as part of the Commonwealth’s “Put Pennsylvania to Work” initiative, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced Aug. 6 at a ceremony in Ebensburg, Pa. The funds, which will be used to train more nurses and other health care practitioners, will further the University of Pittsburgh’s commitment to contribute to Western Pennsylvania’s economic development by providing educational services throughout the region.

Pitt’s world renowned Schools of the Health Sciences are known for having provided essential training for the medical professions and services that have become part of the foundation of Western Pennsylvania’s economy. Pitt-Johnstown will be working closely with the health sciences schools as it reaches out to the people of this region.

In accepting a ceremonial check from Rendell, Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar said that it was a milestone in the history of Pitt-Johnstown: “We are very grateful for Governor Rendell’s support, and we are deeply appreciative of his commitment to the people of Cambria County and our health care needs. The generosity of the Commonwealth will help ensure that our hopes for improved health sciences education and quality health care are realized.”

Spectar added that the funding makes it possible for Pitt-Johnstown to build upon “its existing capacity and expertise in allied health care programs and nursing to develop and intensify cooperative partnerships with local health care providers.” The funding supports UPJ’s plan to develop a facility that will house health sciences programs.

Spectar said the funds also would help address a growing shortage of health care workers across the Commonwealth. “We anticipate that, over the next decade, our initiatives in health care areas will strengthen the workforce of our region,” Spectar said.

E. Jeanne Gleason, chair of the Pitt-Johnstown Advisory Board and a member of the University’s Board of Trustees, said, “We are delighted that the governor recognized the merit of this important initiative. This will enable Pitt-Johnstown to be at the forefront of contributing to the number of health care professionals to meet the needs of the Commonwealth.”
Founded in 1927, Pitt-Johnstown is the first and largest regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh.