Kutztown University celebrated the grand reopening of its de Francesco Building, home of the College of Business and named in honor of Dr. Italo de Francesco, a revered figure in the university’s history.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated building was held on Tuesday, Sept. 19.
Dr. de Francesco immigrated from Italy to America in 1919, eventually becoming a high school art teacher in Reading. In 1936, he joined the Kutztown State Teachers’ College Art Department and later assumed the role of director of art education at the college in 1939. In 1959, he was appointed as the college’s seventh president, a position he held until his passing in 1967.
The de Francesco Building was dedicated May 24, 1969, as the de Francesco World Cultures Classroom Building.
“The newly renovated de Francesco Building stands as a testament to his enduring influence and Kutztown University’s commitment to excellence in education,” the university said in its announcement of the reopening. “This transformation includes a full life cycle upgrade of all building systems, encompassing HVAC, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems. The 1968 section of the building now features energy-efficient windows, promoting sustainability and energy conservation.
“In addition to these enhancements, the de Francesco Building boasts a range of accessibility features, ensuring inclusivity and convenience for all.”
These features include accessible entrances, modern toilet facilities, student lounges, active learning classrooms, group study spaces, conference rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology and comprehensive Wi-Fi coverage.
The building is also home to the Pennsylvania Lead Offices for the Small Business Development Center.
The de Francesco Building now houses KU’s College of Business in one location. All its programs have earned specialized accreditations, including the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and the Master of Business Administration.
Undergraduate business programs include accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, general business, human resource management, personal financial planning, management, marketing and supply chain management. Several minor programs such as business, business analytics, economics and supply chain management and logistics provide additional opportunities for specialization.
“These accreditations mark the College of Business programs as programs of distinction,” KU’s announcement said. “In addition, the college’s award-winning and accredited Small Business Development Center, along with the Entrepreneurial Leadership Center, establish Kutztown University as a key member of the Southeastern Pennsylvania business community.”
For more information about the de Francesco Building and KU’s College of Business, visit www.kutztown.edu.
Source: Berkshire mont
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