Doors Open at Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence

ALTOONA, Pa. -- The Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence was officially dedicated with a ceremony and ribbon-cutting yesterday, and opened up to faculty members today, according to a Penn State Altoona report.

Sheetz Inc. Chairman Steve Sheetz and his wife Nancy donated $3 million to purchase and renovate the former Meyer Jonasson building in downtown Altoona, as well as the next-door Rossman Park, named to honor former banker Bill Rossman and his wife, Judy. The park was also dedicated yesterday.

The intended purpose of the new Sheetz Center is to support academic research, education and community engagement in entrepreneurship. It will also house the Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization.

The donation was inspired by Steve Sheetz' desire to mentor, according to an Altoona Mirror report. Sheetz, whose alma mater is Penn State, had already spent time working with Penn State Altoona's entrepreneurial program, and decided to offer them more opportunities and guidance.

Steve and Nancy Sheetz gave remarks during the dedication ceremony. Additionally, Altoona Mayor Mayor William Schirf read a proclamation and declared Aug. 18 "Penn State Altoona Entrepreneurial Excellence Day," according to the newspaper. In honor of their donation, Steve and Nancy Sheetz received a carved limestone replica of the center. Building tours were available following the ceremony.

Students will attend the first classes at the center this Monday, Aug. 19.

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