The prestigious Kresge Foundation of Troy, Michigan, has awarded a $400,000 challenge grant to Seton Hill University in support of the University Center for Performing Arts in downtown Greensburg, Pa.

“We are delighted to support Seton Hill’s new downtown performing arts center and the example it provides for town/gown relations and community redevelopment,” said Rip Rapson, president and CEO of The Kresge Foundation. “Your project very much fits Kresge’s values. You enable our work as much as we try to enable yours.”

JoAnne Boyle, Seton Hill president, commented, “This marks the second time that The Kresge Foundation has demonstrated its confidence in the University by supporting one of our projects. As Kresge believes that strong, sustainable organizations strengthen their communities, its continuing assistance is an endorsement of not only the University Center project, but Seton Hill’s mission, fiscal strength, and strong community partnerships.”

The Kresge Foundation’s primary grantmaking tool is its Challenge Grant Program. According to Christine Mueseler, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Marketing at Seton Hill, “In awarding a grant to Seton Hill, The Kresge Foundation is also “challenging” the University to achieve its fundraising goal by September 2009. As of today, the University Center for the Performing Arts Campaign, chaired by Michele and Tom Ridge and Anne and Jack Robertshaw, has achieved more than $20.2 million - including The Kresge Foundation grant - toward its projected $21 million goal. We are grateful that The Kresge Foundation recognizes the efforts of Seton Hill and its partners to improve conditions and advance opportunities in our community.”

The Kresge Foundation is a private foundation that supports communities by building the capacity of nonprofit organizations in six fields: health, the environment, arts and culture, education, human services, and community development. In 2007, the foundation awarded grants throughout the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and South Africa. For more information on The Kresge Foundation, please visit www.kresge.org.

The University Center for the Performing Arts will bring two of Seton Hill’s most vibrant programs – theatre and music – into the heart of the city of Greensburg, Pa. The University Center for the Performing Arts will also serve as the completing piece of Greensburg’s Cultural District, with the Westmoreland Museum of American Art at one corner and Seton Hill University at another, linked by the historic Palace Theatre, the restored Greensburg Train Station, cafes, restaurants and bookstores. Once completed, the 73,000 square foot center will include a flexible theatre, music hall, rehearsal spaces, set and costume design rooms, classrooms, and faculty offices for Seton Hill’s programs in music and theatre. The University Center project is the result of a collaboration between the City of Greensburg, the Redevelopment Authority of Westmoreland County, the Greensburg Salem School District, local legislators, and the Westmoreland Cultural Trust. Massaro Corporation began construction in August 2007, with a projected completion date of spring 2009. Architects for the project are MacLachlan Cornelius & Filoni Architects, Inc.