ABINGTON, Pa. — Gary Liguori hosted his first public event on Aug. 8 as the new chancellor of Penn State Abington for a very compelling reason: to break ground for the campus’ new $68 million academic building that is slated to open for the fall 2026 semester. He was joined by the campus community, local and regional officials, supporters, and alumni to turn over the first shovelfuls of dirt at the site. 

"This is one of the most significant investments the University and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania can make in our students,” Liguori said. "It demonstrates how deeply committed we are to helping students learn, grow and thrive in the world. This site will become a hub of academic excellence where the leaders of tomorrow will be shaped and where pressing issues facing our society will be deliberated while preparing our students for careers in demanding fields.”

Liguori highlighted the project's physical features and the impact it will have on students. 

“At three stories and 85,000 square feet, it will provide modern classroom, studio and lab space, as well as collaborative work areas and offices. It will cut across disciplines and help us continue to build out our community of scholars,” Liguori, who assumed the chancellor’s post on July 1, said. 

“People often refer to our beautiful campus as a gem within the University’s vast network. I like to think of this new building as our crown jewel — its thoughtful design affords us greater opportunities to connect with our neighbors and maintain the character of the stunning neighborhood that we are privileged to call home,” he added. 

Liguori’s immediate predecessor, Margo DelliCarpini, shepherded the academic building’s plans across the finish line during her tenure as Abington chancellor. She now serves as the vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor, and she was thrilled to return for the ceremony. 

“This new building is a physical manifestation of the success of the Commonwealth Campuses,” DelliCarpini said. “They drive and expand opportunities for our next generation of leaders right here in our own backyard. This project will provide appealing space and modern learning facilities for students and allow for the growth of exciting and cutting-edge degree programs.”

DelliCarpini credited "the village” — including previous chancellors, Abington Township officials, University colleagues, neighbors and the campus community — which has been “engaged since the beginning and lent their ideas and voices to the project. We developed stronger relationships throughout the project, which have led to innovative opportunities for students and to strengthened partnerships with the community.”  

“Our students advocated for the new building, and this is their legacy, and it will benefit generations of Penn State Abington students to come,” DelliCarpini said.  

Jamila Winder, chair of the Montgomery County Commissioners, and fellow Commissioners Neil Makhija and Thomas DiBello announced a proclamation declaring Aug. 8, 2024, as a day to honor Abington and the benefits the new building will bring to students.   

“Penn State University is a bastion of academic excellence and career preparation. … The Abington campus is a longstanding fixture in Montgomery County,” said Winder, who along with DiBello, is a Penn State graduate. 

The invited guests included longtime donors Stephen Taub, who committed more than $17 million to Abington in 2018, and Joseph and Jo Anne Lurquin; members of the campus Advisory Board; Leilani Fox, Abington Class of 2004 and the president of the campus Alumni Society Board; Shane White, Abington Class of 2018 and the president of the Penn State Alumni Association Philadelphia Chapter; and state Rep. Benjamin V. Sanchez, who represents the 153rd legislative district.

University President Neeli Bendapudi sent her regrets after a fierce storm forced her to cancel due to travel issues. 

At a post-groundbreaking reception to welcome Chancellor Liguori to the area, Sanchez spoke about how he looks forward to working with Liguori and his district's long, fruitful relationship with the campus. 

“Between being a significant economic contributor and hosting community events, this campus is a staple to all of Abington Township, and it contributes to our area’s cultural and educational enrichment,” Sanchez said, noting that the campus will host his office’s LGBTQ+ resource fair in the fall. 

Student Government Association President Pratyush Mudgal welcomed Liguori to campus and presented him and DelliCarpini with Nittany Lion statues that a student created using a 3D printer in the Abington LaunchBox on campus and shared a little local wisdom with the new chancellor. 

“One of the most important things I want you to know about our campus community is this: Penn State Abington is a tight-knit family, and it is a second home for many of us. As an international student, I personally understand the important role my campus family plays in my success and personal fulfillment,” Mudgal said. 

About Penn State Abington 

Penn State Abington provides an affordable, accessible and high-impact education resulting in the success of a diverse student body. It is committed to student success through innovative approaches to 21st-century public higher education within a world-class research university. With more than 3,100 students, Penn State Abington is a residential campus that offers baccalaureate degrees in 25 majors, accelerated master's degrees, undergraduate research, the Schreyer Honors College, NCAA Division III athletics and more.