Philadelphia University to Dedicate The Kanbar Campus Center on Saturday, September 30

Philadelphia University to Dedicate The Kanbar Campus Center on Saturday, September 30

Maurice Kanbar '52 - Hollywood producer of the hit animated film 'Hoodwinked,' inventor, author and entrepreneur - contributed $6 million, the largest gift in University history

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia University alumnus Maurice Kanbar, '52, is a well-known and successful inventor, entrepreneur, author and Hollywood producer. To round out this list of impressive accomplishments, he also is a generous philanthropist.

This week, Maurice Kanbar will return to his alma mater to celebrate the opening of The Kanbar Campus Center, which was jumpstarted with a $6 million contribution from Mr. Kanbar - the largest gift in University history. The Kanbar Campus Center will be dedicated during a campuswide celebration on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 10 a.m.

The world-class Kanbar Campus Center and other facility and campus improvements represent a $50 million investment in the future of Philadelphia University and have significantly contributed to the transformation of this campus from the small textiles institute it was when Mr. Kanbar attended to the diverse, creative, highly-regarded University it is today.

"Maurice Kanbar is truly a Renaissance man known for his inventiveness, creativity, entrepreneurship across many disciplines and generous philanthropy," said Philadelphia University President James P. Gallagher. "We are truly grateful for his generous gift, which will significantly enhance Philadelphia University's educational, cultural and social experience for students, faculty and staff for generations to come."

In many ways, Maurice Kanbar embodies the qualities of creativity, tenacity, entrepreneurship and problem-solving that are nurtured on this campus. An inventor, Mr. Kanbar came up with the D-Fuzz-It Sweater Comb, the Safetyglide hypodermic needle protector, a cryogenic cataract remover and is author of "Secrets from an Inventor's Notebook." A former chemistry student, Mr. Kanbar developed SKYY Vodka, one of the world's leading brands, and Vermeer liquor.

An avid movie fan, Mr. Kanbar created the first multiplex theater in New York and produced this year's popular animated film "Hoodwinked," a modern-day retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood tale. In 2002, he started Kanbar Entertainment and Kanbar Animation Studio.

Dedicated foremost to the pursuit of finding a better way to do things - and encouraging students to do the same - Mr. Kanbar funds $9,000 in juried prizes annually for the best Philadelphia University student projects in Graphic Design and Industrial Design.

Mr. Kanbar, President Gallagher, trustees, donors, alumni and hundreds of students and their families will be on hand Saturday for the dedication, which will take place during Homecoming and Family Day. The modern 72,000-square- foot building includes student lounges and meeting space, a cafe, the University bookstore, a dining hall, performance space and Student Life offices.

Philadelphia University, founded in 1884, is a private university with 3,200 full- and part-time students enrolled in more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. The University includes Schools of Architecture, Business Administration, Design and Media, Engineering and Textiles, Liberal Arts and Science and Health.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Philadelphia University

CONTACT: Debbie Goldberg, Director of Media Relations of Philadelphia
University, +1-215-951-2718, or goldbergd@PhilaU.edu

Web site: http://www.philau.edu/

-------
Profile: intent