Governor Rendell Releases Up To $25 Million in
Matching Funds For Carlisle Campus

Carlisle, PA (May 11, 2005) — Governor Ed Rendell announced yesterday that, under an agreement reached with Penn State, he has committed up to $25 million in matching funds for expansion and renovation of The Dickinson School of Law in Carlisle.

"We are extremely pleased that Governor Rendell has committed Commonwealth resources to support Penn State's plan to advance legal education at the University,” Penn State President Graham Spanier said in response to Governor Rendell’s announcement. “We believe the dual campus proposal will establish our law school as among the very best in the nation and create extraordinary opportunities for our students, while also bringing tremendous value to the state. This agreement demonstrates our collective long-term commitment to legal education in Carlisle.”

Phil McConnaughay, dean of Penn State's Dickinson School of Law, commented, “The availability of matching funds ensures that Carlisle will be the home of one of the most attractive and well-equipped legal education facilities in the United States. The University's vision of an intimately connected dual campus Dickinson School of Law will enable us to offer one of the most innovative and most practical curriculums anywhere.

“We are deeply grateful to the Governor for his support of our mission. I am confident that The Dickinson School of Law will continue for generations to produce leaders of our communities, of the Commonwealth, and of our nation.”

In addition to the up to $25 million commitment by the Governor, Penn State has pledged $10 million of University funds and launched a campaign to raise at least $10 million more toward the new law school building in Carlisle.

Additionally, the University has announced plans to establish a campus of The Dickinson School of Law on its University Park campus. The dual campus operation will be unique among major law schools, and will represent one of the largest commitments to legal education in America.

Penn State's Board of Trustees will vote on final approval of the agreement with the Governor at their regularly scheduled Board meeting on Friday, May 13 in State College.

Contact: Kelly Jones, Director of Marketing & Communications • Telephone: (717) 240-5217 • Fax: (717) 240-5213 • E-mail: krjones@psu.edu