State Senator Jane Earll’s Remarks

Thank you, Dr. Gamble.

I am so happy to be here this evening and to be apart of this significant time in your history. As I said earlier, I am pleased to have been able to secure the $3.5 million for the new Center for Academic Engagement along with former Gov. Ed Rendell.

Allocating funds to this area represents an investment in the future of higher education, an investment in Erie and an investment in the lives of the students who go here. After listening to Dr. Gamble describe the building and the level of hands-on, practical skills your students will take part in, this is also an investment in the jobs in our area.
Students will leave Mercyhurst better prepared to enter the job market. This investment will also spur the local economy in providing local contractors and subcontractors good paying jobs and providing additional students and families from outside the region an opportunity to experience all that Erie has to offer.

I see this as a great investment in the community and am happy to be part of that investment and tonight’s celebration.

Thank you.