Pitt-Bradford has received a gift of $250,000 from Harry R. Halloran Jr., board chairman and owner of American Refining Group, in support of the university’s Energy Institute.
In recognition of this and previous gifts, it will be named the American Refining Group/Harry R. Halloran Jr. Energy Institute.
“The naming of the Energy Institute for Harry Halloran and American Refining Group is one small token of our appreciation not only for Harry’s financial support, but more importantly for his astute guidance and insight as we venture into an area we’ve never pursued before,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, president of Pitt-Bradford.
“There are few people who possess as much knowledge, experience and proven track record in both the oil and gas industry and alternative energy systems as does Harry Halloran. We have great admiration for him.”
The gift is part of 50 and Beyond: The Campaign for the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, which seeks to raise $17.5 million for the university by the end of its 50th anniversary year in 2014. Of that target amount, $1.25 million has been earmarked for the Energy Institute.
The funds raised will be used to create a dedicated lab space for biodiesel and other energy-related technology ventures, develop a four-year major in energy technology, and support the local oil and gas industry through the university’s two-year petroleum technology program and other workforce development training.
Earlier gifts from Halloran included $500,000 in 2007 to create the institute and support scholarships and 140 acres of property on West Corydon Street.
“When I, in conjunction with American Refining Group, contributed to the formation of the Energy Institute at Pitt-Bradford, I envisioned a multi-pronged approach encompassing educational, industry outreach and research programs to enhance and develop both traditional and nontraditional forms of energy,” Halloran said.
In addition to his work at ARG, Halloran is also the chairman and chief executive officer of ARG Resources. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in civil engineering. After graduating, he entered the Augustinian seminary for four years and earned a master’s degree in theology.
He is the founder and chief executive officer of Energy Unlimited Inc., a company involved in the renewable energy field and has served on the board of the American Wind Energy Association. Previously, he was trustee of Villanova University’s College of Commerce and Finance and of the Academy of Natural Sciences. He is also the founding trustee of the Enlightened World Foundation and the Halloran Foundation and serves on the Board of the Journal of Ecumenical Studies.
Halloran founded the Halloran Philanthropies in 2007 with the belief that business is one of the most powerful drivers for positive social change. The purpose of Halloran Philanthropies is to help create a healthier world community that promotes economic development through microfinance, global business ethics and community service to revitalize low-income neighborhoods.
In 2008, he and Harvey L. Golubock, then president and chief operating officer of ARG, were presented with Pitt-Bradford’s Presidential Medal of Distinction, the university’s highest honor.
For more information on the 50 and Beyond Campaign, contact Jill Ballard, executive director of institutional advancement at 814-362-5091 or jballard@pitt.edu.
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