New Center At Philly U. Dedicated To Arlen Specter
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Philadelphia University dedicated a new center for public service Thursday night, and it's named after the longest serving U.S. Senator in Pennsylvania history.
A project that started a few years before Arlen Specter's death in 2012 is now a dream come true, says Philadelphia University President Dr. Stephen Spinelli:
"The professors are knocking the door down. They want to move their classes into the building. They're inspired by it."
The historic Roxboro House, dating back to the late 1770s, underwent a $4-million makeover and is now the home of the Arlen Specter Center for Public Service.
Inside, weekly roundtables are expected. And on display, Spector's work on the Warren Commission, President Clinton's impeachment and snapshots with powerful players.
"Intersection with world leadership and the effect that must have had is awe-inspiring," Spinelli says.
And for the late Senator's widow, Joan, their beloved East Falls was the place for this to be.
"When Philadelphia University asked us if we would like to have the Specter Center here - this our home," she says. "It was perfect, so we said 'yes'."
