In an event held this afternoon at the Bio/Life Sciences Building on Main Campus, nonprofit Sbarro Health Research Organization dedicated a $3 million brand new, state-of-the-art biotechnology research center to Temple’s College of Science and Technology.
The new center, made possible by a $1.5 million grant from the state, includes 20,000 square feet of labs, offices, a medical library and work areas for scientists across the world. It will be used for research of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Antonio Giordano, founder and president of SHRO, attended the ceremony and announced his pride in everyone involved in the project.
“In life, what really counts is when people get together and work on something that’s really important,” he said during the event.
Temple President Ann Weaver Hart addressed the audience as well.
“Accomplishments can be achieved when entrepreneurs and can-doers get together,” she said. “It is stamina personified, and I am very grateful for the support of the governor and the general assembly.”
Reps. Sam Smith and Mario J. Civera Jr. made remarks on the new science center, addressing the efforts and commitment of everyone involved in its establishment. Smith called it an investment to the future.
“It requires teamwork and commitment and strong leadership of all levels. I’m proud to play a role in launching this research project,” Smith said. “Antonio’s vision is a step above others, moving into the practical world. It’s not just about Temple, Philly, or Pennsylvania, but about improving research.”
Civera expressed his pride in the center and said he was grateful for the grant that they were given.
“Good money from the state of PA is supporting the best research,” he said.
Catherine Symonds, a Temple Ph.D. candidate, said she is excited about the new research center.
“It’s an exciting opportunity for our organization to expand new facilities with more space that’s being provided with the new center,” she said.
Mark Feitelson, who coordinated the project, said such a huge project means more in tough economic times.
“It brings people together to get things done and to do research. That’s hard to do,” he said. “In this day in age when funding is difficult, it represents something really important.”
Jenn Stanley can be reached at jennifer.stanley@temple.edu.
So glad for Temple, congrats, a huge step forward.