HARRISBURG, Pa. (April 8, 2008)–Select Medical Corporation, a leading provider of specialty health care with headquarters in Mechanicsburg, has announced a $2.6 million gift to Harrisburg University of Science and Technology. The gift is the largest philanthropic investment by a corporation in the six-year history of the University, and it will establish the Select Medical Corporation Conference Center in the University’s new 16-story Academic Center under construction at 326 Market Street in Harrisburg. Robert Ortenzio, Select Medical’s Chief Executive Officer, announced the gift on April 8th during a press conference at the University. Joining Mr. Ortenzio for the announcement were Harrisburg University President Mel Schiavelli and R. Timothy Weston, Esq., Chair of the University Board of Trustees. “Select Medical is proud to make this historic gift to Harrisburg University and support the advancement of this growing university,” said Robert Ortenzio. “Harrisburg University offers excellent educational opportunities that benefit young adults, working professionals and local businesses. This gift demonstrates Select Medical’s belief that education is key to ensuring a strong, viable future for the region.” The Select Medical Conference Center will be located on the 14th floor, the highest occupied floor, of the Academic Center. The Select Medical Conference Center will be host to countless events and programs for the University as well as community, education and corporate groups. The floor will also house the University’s senior administrative offices. “Select Medical has stepped forward to help realize the vision of Harrisburg University, and this gift is yet another example of Select Medical’s commitment to the future of our region,” says. Dr. Schiavelli. “A gift of this magnitude has the power to propel our University forward, allowing us to prepare more students to join the high-tech science and technology workforce that is vital to the economy of this region and the state. We look forward to strengthening this important partnership that benefits our students and faculty, and the entire Central Pennsylvania community.” Dr. Schiavelli notes that the timing of this gift is especially opportune as a crisis looms on the horizon because of a national shortage of students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. “The gift enhances our ability to produce highly qualified graduates at the undergraduate and graduate levels who are able to serve the changing needs of businesses in the Commonwealth,” says Dr. Schiavelli. “It is sustained strategic philanthropic investments from the private sector like this one from Select Medical that will ultimately determine whether Harrisburg University becomes the preeminent institution it has the potential to become.” “The increasing intensity of global competition makes philanthropic investments by corporations more important than ever before,” Mr. Weston said. “We are honored by Select Medical’s confidence in our students and faculty, and we will meet the challenge by producing exceptional graduates who are well-prepared for careers in the region’s growing knowledge-based economy.” The gifts are designated to support CONNECT: The Campaign for Harrisburg University–the University’s inaugural comprehensive fundraising campaign that was publicly launched at the Groundbreaking Gala Celebration in November 2006. The Select Medical gift raises the current total of commitments to approximately $31.6-million or 80 percent toward the goal of $40-million. “Corporate support of this magnitude is what will make the University’s campaign a success, as well as ensure the continued fast-paced rise of Harrisburg University as a prominent institution of higher education in the Commonwealth,” says Marcus S. Lingenfelter, vice president for University Advancement at Harrisburg University. “We encourage other corporations and organizations to consider their own philanthropic investments–what impact they wish to make and what legacy they wish to leave.” Select Medical Corporation is a national provider of specialized health care encompassing long-term acute care, inpatient medical rehabilitation, outpatient physical rehabilitation and contract therapy. Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Select Medical has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Managed Companies” by Forbes Magazine, as well as a “Best Place to Work in Pennsylvania” for the past five years. Founded in 1996 by Rocco Ortenzio and Robert Ortenzio, Select Medical is a privately held company with more than 21,000 employees throughout the United States. Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, non-profit, non-sectarian teaching university that offers applied academic programs in the nationally-critical STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). The University’s mission also includes a dedication to meet the needs of the Capital Region’s youth, workforce, and businesses to expand, attract, and create economic opportunities.
Contact:
Steven M. Infanti Associate Vice President for Marketing and Communications Harrisburg University of Science and Technology 717.901.5146 or Sinfanti@HarrisburgU.net
Carolyn Curnane VP, Corporate Communications Select Medical Corporation 717.730.4221 or CCurnane@SelectMedicalCorp.com
April 8th, 2008
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The Innovation Transfer Network is a regional collaborative linking higher education institutions, economic development organizations and private sector business in Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster and Lebanon counties. 
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