Westminster Receives $1M Gift for Science Center

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – Westminster College has received a $1 million lead challenge gift from Bill and Carol Jean Young Maurer to encourage additional contributions toward the final phase of the Hoyt Science Center renovation and expansion project. 

To honor the Maurers, the college unveiled and dedicated the Maurer Atrium, inside the Hoyt Science Center’s expanded wing, at a ceremony Friday. Westminster College President Kathy Brittain Richardson announced the Maurers’ gift at the event.

“Bill and his wife, C.J., have given $1 million to help inspire and challenge additional giving amongst their alumni peers,” Richardson said. “And for years to come, the students, faculty, staff and guests who study, teach, research and meet in this beautiful atrium will recognize their generosity and their vision.” 

The Maurers, of Belle Vernon, Pa., are Westminster graduates. Bill earned his bachelor’s degree in 1953, and C.J. earned hers in 1962.

Along with additional challenge gifts received, the Maurers’ gift will be used to complete the fourth and final phase of the Hoyt center project, which includes the creation of a high-fidelity nursing simulation lab, establishing the Harms Center for the Environment, updates to the computer science, mathematics, psychology, neuroscience and physics offices, labs and classrooms, the addition of an exercise science lab and major mechanical updates.

The Maurers are long-time supporters of Westminster and have provided significant contributions to various campus projects, including the construction of the Berlin Village town houses, renovations to Burry Stadium and the creation of the Class of 1953 Reunion Fund.

“One of Mr. Maurer’s most enduring legacies, however, is found in his dedication to providing students the opportunity to prepare for meaningful and impactful lives with a major portion of his gifts directed to the endowed Maurer Scholarship,” Richardson said. 

The scholarship, established in 2017, provides scholarship assistance to incoming first-year students from Belle Vernon Area High School or Elizabeth Forward High School.

Speaking at Friday’s event, Bill Maurer expressed his affection for Westminster and reminded the crowd to “be kind to Westminster.”

The Hoyt Science Center expansion and renovation began in 2017. Phases one and two created the college’s nursing and neuroscience facilities and the Dietz Sullivan Lecture Hall, as well as other structural and aesthetic renovations and upgrades. 

Fall 2021 marked the completion of the third phase – the construction of a 27,000-square-foot expansion wing that now houses the chemistry and biochemistry departments.

The original Hoyt building was constructed in 1974, with an addition built in the 1980s.

For more information or to contribute to the Hoyt Science Center project, go to Westminster.edu/4Hoyt.

Pictured at top: Bill and C.J. Maurer in the Maurer Atrium of the Hoyt Science Center on the Westminster College campus. The atrium was dedicated to the Maurers on Friday.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.