Donor gives $5 million to chapel expansion

The Frank Pasquerilla family of Johnstown has made a $5 million commitment to fund the expansion of the Eisenhower Chapel. The announcement was made Friday in a Department of Public Information news release.

Frank Pasquerilla is chairman and CEO of Crown American Realty Trust, a real estate investment group specializing in regional shopping malls, including the Nittany Mall, according to the release. He is also chairman of Crown American Hotels, a privately held hotel company.

- Kenneth Clarke, director of the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs

That pledge was part of an overall $3.5 million Paterno donation directed to fund numerous faculty positions, scholarships and building projects at the University.

The Pasquerilla donation adds a substantial sum to the estimated $9 million expansion project. The chapel, currently used by about 30 student religious organizations, will be expanded solely through private donations.

"Historically, he's been very interested in giving to Roman Catholic causes," said Kenneth Clarke, director of the Center for Ethics and Religious Affairs. "But he was particularly interested in the interfaith nature of the chapel expansion, and we are very appreciative of his gift."

In addition, Clarke said some part of the expanded chapel may be named after Frank Pasquerilla.

"That is something that is under consideration," Clarke said. "I would think, given the size of his donation, that there is the possibility that something will be named in his honor."

The timetable for construction will be established following additional fund raising for the project, according to the release.