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Get the most interesting and important stories from the University of Pittsburgh.John R. Musulin (A&S ’67) has donated $2.2 million to support the University of Pittsburgh’s acquisition of a 74-acre property adjacent to the Pitt-Johnstown campus.
The parcel at 500 Schoolhouse Road includes a 178,000-square-foot, four-story office building with an outdoor courtyard and 500 parking spaces. The land was previously owned by the University of Pittsburgh and has been owned by Met Life Company since the late 1990s.
“We are thrilled to reunite this property with the Pitt-Johnstown campus, an acquisition that will enable us to achieve our critical strategic plan goals of developing and housing new academic programs to boost enrollment and to upgrade our athletics facilities,” said Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar. “John’s impressive generosity, fueled by his deep-seated love for the Johnstown campus and community, will enable UPJ to fulfill its vision of being the regional leader educating for success and impact in the real world.”
“I am excited by the vision the University holds not only for this property but for the entire Johnstown campus, and I’m happy to lend my support,” said Musulin. “When I was a student at Pitt-Johnstown we were in an old grade school on Cypress Avenue. Seeing how far UPJ has come since then gives me a great feeling of pride, and I cannot wait to see what is next.”
Musulin spent two years at the Cypress Avenue school before transferring to the University’s Pittsburgh campus, from which he graduated with a degree in economics in 1967. That was the same year the current Pitt-Johnstown campus in Richland Township was dedicated.
Musulin launched his career first with the Eastman Kodak Company and later moved to Essilor of America, from which he retired in 2010 as director of supply chain projects. He and his late wife, Marsha, are longtime donors and were inducted into the University’s 1787 Society, Babcock Society and Brackenridge Circle.
“Pitt-Johnstown is profoundly grateful to our dear friend John R. Musulin, whose longstanding philanthropic engagement and passionate commitment to our community have helped guide us through the first quarter of the 21st century,” Spectar said. “With this recent gift and associated property acquisition on the eve of our 100th anniversary, John has helped position the campus to begin a new UPJ century with even greater momentum, ensuring we meet our region's educational needs far into the future.”
The purchase of the 500 Schoolhouse Road property was completed Oct. 29, and a dedication of the renovated building is planned for the Fall 2025.
Top photo by Lori Singer