Pitt–Bradford alum donating $50,000 toward new building

Pitt–Bradford alumnus Chris Napoleon has pledged $50,000 toward the construction of the  the new engineering and information technologies building on campus.

Napoleon is the owner and chief engineer at Napoleon Engineering Services in Olean, N.Y.

“I got my start in engineering at Pitt-Bradford,” said Napoleon, who attended the school from 1986-88. “The positive experience I had at Pitt-Bradford has much to do with me developing into the person I am today, culminating in a work experience that is challenging and rewarding.”

Since Pitt-Bradford did not offer four-year engineering programs when he was a student, Napoleon transferred to the Oakland campus to complete his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.

This fall, students interested in engineering have the option to pursue a four-year degree in mechanical engineering technology or energy engineering technology, two of the programs that will be housed in the new George B. Duke Building, which is currently being built next to Hanley Library.

The existing programs of computer information systems and technology, energy science and technology, and information systems also will be housed in the new building

The Duke Building is being constructed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environment Design – LEED – standards. It is anticipated that the U.S. Green Building Council will certify the building at least at the silver level. Once certified, it will join Livingston Alexander House as the second LEED-certified building on campus and the third in McKean County.

The facility will feature a solar array on its roof, which is expected to produce about 113,000 kWh/year and include a building dashboard that will aid in community education and engagement.

The new building also will feature a circuit lab, measurement lap, a machine shop, a strength and materials lab, a fluid dynamics lab, a maker space, and a virtual reality lab, as well as a two-story atrium, study rooms, and a project lab. The project is expected to finish by the end of this year.

To learn more about the new building and the programs that will be housed in it, visit www.upb.pitt.edu/engineeringbuilding.