Indiana University of Pennsylvania's Council of Trustees honored Tim and Debra Phillips Cejka, 1973 graduates of IUP, with a resolution to name the IUP planetarium and its atrium as the Cejka Planetarium. The resolution was approved by the Council at its May 10 meeting.
The Cejkas, of Latrobe and Houston, are members of the IUP National Campaign Cabinet of the Imagine Unlimited comprehensive fundraising campaign and serve as chairs of the portion of the campaign that benefits the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. A total of $53 million has been raised for IUP's Imagine Unlimited campaign. The campaign has a goal of $75 million.
On April 13, during the university's Celebration of Philanthropy event, the Cejkas announced that they would commit an additional $2 million to the $5 million they have already given to IUP. That additional $2 million contribution completes the match required by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services to begin construction of a new facility for science and mathematics. Construction of the new building is set to begin in 2020, with completion of the new facility expected in 2022.
“We are so impressed with all the work we've seen at IUP in the last several years,” Tim Cejka said. “We believe in the university's vision. We believe in the vision of [IUP's] College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. We have confidence in the dean and the faculty.”
“For those reasons we are pleased to ensure the new science facility is everything our students need it to be to become the next leaders in science, industry, health care, and education,” Deb Cejka added.
Tim Cejka is the retired President of Exxonmobil Exploration Company and Vice President of Exxonmobil Corp.
Photo Information: From left, IUP President Michael Driscoll, Debra Phillips Cejka, Tim Cejka, and Jim Miller, IUP Council of Trustees University Advancement Committee chairperson