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WILKES-BARRE — Wilkes University President Patrick F. Leahy Monday said the new Campus Gateway Project transforms the school’s campus, dramatically improving the safety of pedestrians and motorists.

“The Campus Gateway Project has transformed Wilkes, resulting in a cross section of walkways that unify our campus,” Leahy said. “It also helped us achieve a decades-long dream of creating a first-class, residential campus that’s fully integrated into our host city of Wilkes-Barre.”

In a dedication ceremony held Monday in the Savitz Lounge on the second floor of the Henry Student Center, 84 West South St., Leahy thanked Sen. John Yudichak and Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski for their help in securing the Multi-modal Transportation Fund grant that made the project possible. He also expressed gratitude to Mayor Tony George and the city of Wilkes-Barre, saying, “with their support, our campus has never been more connected.”

The ceremony marked the completion of more than $3 million in transformative enhancements that beautify the campus and surrounding neighborhood. Leahy said the Campus Gateway Project combined university resources with Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development funds to enhance the campus while improving pedestrian and traffic safety. Leahy said the enhancements continue the university’s progress on $100 million in campus improvements.

Highlights of the project include:

• New entrances to the Henry Student Center parking lot from South River Street and South Franklin Street.

• Expansion of the south entrance plaza to the student center with landscaping and outdoor seating.

• The parking area now reaches South Franklin Street with a pedestrian walkway connecting to the Henry Student Center.

Leahy said the project was partially funded by the Multi-modal Transportation Fund (MTF) program, which provides grants for transportation-related projects. Wilkes received a $650,000 grant in 2016.

Second component

The second component is the expansion of the Karambelas East Campus Gateway into the heart of campus that was constructed in 2015, connecting South Main Street to South Franklin Street. The expansion of the gateway into the Fenner Quadrangle ensures a cross-section of walkways defining and connecting the Wilkes campus for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Additionally, the project created the new South Campus Gateway, which connects the Henry Student Center to Stark Learning Center. Leahy said these two gateways beautify the campus and support the new, state-of-the-art Mark Engineering Center located in Stark Learning Center.

“With each new investment in its campus, Wilkes University continues its impressive march toward being a nationally recognized small research university,” said Yudichak, D-Nanticoke. “And, with every stride, Wilkes improves the fortunes of both their students and the citizens of Wilkes-Barre.”

Pashinski, D-Wilkes-Barre, said the Campus Gateway Project will fully connect Wilkes University, ensure student safety and take additional steps to beautify an already beautiful campus.

“I’m thankful for the support of Gov. Tom Wolf and the insight and planning of the administration at Wilkes,” Pashinski said. “This project was completed quickly and I’m glad students are already enjoying the finished project.”

On behalf of the mayor, City Administrator Ted Wampole added, “The George Administration thanks Wilkes University and President Leahy for their dedication to not only improving the Wilkes campus, but for its positive impact on the entire City of Wilkes-Barre.”

Decades-long dream

Also attending the ceremony were Clayton and Theresa Karambelas, who Leahy has called, “The most generous friends in the history of Wilkes University.”

Leahy said the Campus Gateway Project allowed a first-class, residential campus to be fully integrated into the city.

“Supporting the city and improving our campus infrastructure are two of our strategic initiatives,” Leahy said. “They also align with the values of Clayton and Theresa Karambelas, whose dedication to Wilkes helped support the first phase of this project back in 2015. Now all phases of the project are complete and our campus community has never been more connected.”

Clayton Karambelas graduated from what was then Wilkes College in 1949. A few years ago, he and his wife met with Leahy and Mike Wood, special assistant to Leahy, to discuss the university’s plan to change things on campus.

They said they wanted to help Wilkes and at the same time, help the city, with the main concern being the safety of the students. They said Leahy deserves all the credit.

Clayton and Theresa Karambelas have made several gifts to Wilkes, including the Karambelas Media and Communication Center, the Henry Student Center atrium, the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center digital marquee, the pergola on the Fenner Quadrangle, Cohen Science Center grand staircase and the Karambelas East Campus Gateway, which connects South Main Street to the center of campus.

Clayton and his wife previously owned the Boston Candy Shop & Restaurant and C.K. Coffee. They currently own C.K. Consulting and live in Kingston.

Officials at Monday’s ceremony marking completion of the Wilkes University Campus Gateway Project are, from left: Wilkes-Barre City Council Chairman Tony Brooks, Wilkes-Barre City Administrator Ted Wampole, Theresa Karambelas, Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy, Clayton Karambelas, Sen. John Yudichak, Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and Wilkes Student Government President Hunter Hughes.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_WILKES-GATEWAY.jpg.optimal.jpgOfficials at Monday’s ceremony marking completion of the Wilkes University Campus Gateway Project are, from left: Wilkes-Barre City Council Chairman Tony Brooks, Wilkes-Barre City Administrator Ted Wampole, Theresa Karambelas, Wilkes President Patrick F. Leahy, Clayton Karambelas, Sen. John Yudichak, Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and Wilkes Student Government President Hunter Hughes. Photo courtesy of Wilkes University

In this Times Leader file photo, the Wilkes University Gateway is shown between South Main Street and South Franklin Street. The university officially dedicated the gateway with a ceremony on Monday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/web1_wilkesgateway04.jpg.optimal.jpgIn this Times Leader file photo, the Wilkes University Gateway is shown between South Main Street and South Franklin Street. The university officially dedicated the gateway with a ceremony on Monday. Times Leader file photo

By Bill O’Boyle

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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.