President-elect first to live on campus in 39 years

By ERIN STROUT
Collegian Staff Writer

HERSHEY -- University President-elect Graham Spanier may be the first to do many things when he takes the reins at Penn State, starting when he and his family move into a new residence on campus.

The University Board of Trustees passed a resolution on Saturday designating the large stone house located off Park Avenue between Bigler and Shortlidge roads as the new home of the University president and family. The board also approved preliminary plans for alterations and additions to the house.

Current President Joab Thomas and his wife, Marley, reside on Kennard Road in State College, which has been the designated home of the University president for 25 years. Before that, the president lived on campus in University House behind Hammond Building. The residence was moved in the 1970s during anti-war riots.

But observation, experience and analysis show the Kennard Road home no longer suits the needs of the University president and family, said Gary Schultz, senior vice president for finance.

"In these days when we're trying to do more with less, it's not a good idea to keep the Kennard property," Schultz said.

The board voted to sell the Kennard property, with proceeds going to the Institute for Learning. Board President William Schreyer and his wife donated $1 million for the renovations to the new house.

Thomas and his wife were involved in the renovation suggestions for the new residence. Through their experience, more space was needed in the kitchen and entertaining areas and more closets were needed for guests' coats.

The Mitchell Property, where the new house is located, will have improved circulation patterns between private and entertainment areas of the house. It will also be more accessible to the disabled -- the Kennard estate had difficult steps for guests to negotiate, Schultz said.

Spanier, his wife, Sandra, and their children, Brian and Hadley, toured the 8,800 square-foot, stone, tudor-trimmed house this weekend. Spanier will be the first president in 39 years to live in an on-campus house.

"They were very pleased," Schultz said.

The house will have four bedrooms with private bathrooms and a guest room, compared to only two bedrooms in the Thomas home. A new family room will be added, as well as a two-story addition with two offices, a coatroom and restroom.

The terrace will also be expanded, and the Spaniers will be able to seat 12 for dinner, with the option of hosting more in the family room.

Renovations and additions will not be ready in time for the beginning of Spanier's tenure, which starts Sept. 1. Schultz called the Sept. 30 date of completion "ambitious."

Trustee Cecile Springer also asked that Schultz review building plans with the architect to make sure they are cost-effective. She requested a master plan of current and future building projects be presented to the board so everybody knows the progress of the University building efforts.

Schultz seemed confident that the new home will be a better place for the new leaders to live.

"This house will better serve as the president's residence," Schultz said.