Monday, January 14, 2008
ARG, Halloran Philanthropies Give
Half Million Dollars to Pitt-Bradford
BRADFORD, PA. – American Refining Group and the Halloran Philanthropies have given a gift of $500,000 to the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford for energy-related studies.
The gift came in two equal parts. The first half will be split between scholarships and an endowment to provide support for energy-related projects. The second half will be used to assist in the development of an Energy Institute at Pitt-Bradford.
“The Energy Institute will provide educational opportunities, project development and support for economic development in the traditional oil and gas fields, as well as in alternative energy,” stated Harry R. Halloran, Jr., CEO of ARG.
“We’ve had ongoing discussions with Harry Halloran, Chairman and CEO and Harvey Golubock, President and COO of American Refining Group about the possibility of collaborating on energy-related projects,” said Dr. Livingston Alexander, Pitt-Bradford president. “We’re delighted that those discussions resulted in two very generous gifts to the university that will enable us to lay the groundwork for an Energy Institute.
“The contributions could not have come at a better time as we struggle to get the Energy Institute off the ground,” Alexander continued. “We’re deeply grateful to Mr. Halloran for his commitment to Pitt-Bradford and the confidence he is placing in us to produce beneficial outcomes for the region.”
The Energy Institute will foster the study of both traditional fossil-fuel applications and renewable energy sources for the benefit of student learning, commercial projects and the regional economy. Possible projects include creating biodiesel fuel or lubricants from plant oils; gasification technology; experimental wind turbines; converting municipal solid waste into energy; and creating cellulosic ethanol through micro-organisms.
The ARG/Harry R. Halloran Jr. Scholarship created by the gift will provide scholarships to deserving Pitt-Bradford students with a preference for those enrolled in the petroleum technology program or involved with other energy initiatives.
Harry Halloran commented, “It is my sincere hope that these gifts will spur others to contribute to these worthwhile causes. The Bradford area is so fortunate to have a branch of a nationally recognized university located within the confines of the community. It is a tremendous resource for education, commercial and community development. I am delighted to be able to play a small role in supporting these efforts.”
Halloran’s American Refining Group purchased the Bradford refinery from Witco Corp. in 1997, and has continued a tradition of support that dates back to a gift of land by Witco/Kendall (the previous owner of the Bradford refinery) in 1967. That gift is the site of the current campus
In recent years, ARG donated 130 acres on West Corydon Street that doubled the physical size of the university campus. Profits from future sales of timber on the land will benefit a scholarship fund for the children of ARG employees.
In 1997, American Refining Group, Inc. purchased the Kendall® / Amalie® refinery located in Bradford, PA, from Witco Corporation. As a result of the sale of the Kendall® and Amalie® brands to a third party, a new name was given to the products produced at the site-Brad Penn® Premium Pennsylvania Grade Lubricants.
