Dec. 21, 2010
PITTSBURGH - On the heels of a $1.8 million renovation of the main bowl of the Palumbo Center that was completed this fall, Duquesne University Director of Athletics Greg Amodio has announced plans for the Janice and James Schaming Athletic Center. The Center will include the renovation of the men's and women's basketball and volleyball locker rooms as well as a redesign of the lower corridor of the Palumbo Center.
The $1.3 million project, which will begin in April and is expected to be completed by August, is being funded by private donations - including a lead gift from Janice and James Schaming (B `55).
"We are grateful to the Schamings for their generous gift," said Amodio. "Not only will this project give our athletics programs a significant boost, but it will pay dividends for years to come. Jim and Janice's support underscores their commitment to providing our student-athletes with the assets necessary to compete at the highest level." 
Plans call for the total renovation of all three locker rooms in addition to the installation of new flooring, lighting and graphics in the lower level corridor that leads to the locker room areas.
"This project will have a tremendous impact on our program," said head men's basketball coach Ron Everhart. "It helps us in every area, from student-athlete well-being to recruiting. I'm really excited. This could not come at a better time for us."
"It is clear that the Duquesne administration is committed to providing the resources that will enable our programs to excel," said head women's basketball coach Suzie McConnell-Serio whose teams have posted back-to-back 20-win seasons. "It is a first-class project that will significantly enhance all three programs."
"The renovations will provide us with state-of-the art facilities which will help with the ever-challenging demands of recruiting," said volleyball coach Steve Opperman, who led the team to a school record 23 wins in 2010. "We are very appreciative of the commitment from the university to aid in the continual development of our athletic programs."
The Janice and James Schaming Athletic Center represents the third phase of renovation work to the Palumbo Center that opened its doors 1988. In 2006, men's and women's basketball as well as administrative staff offices, a recruiting suite, a state-of-the-art video breakdown room and student-athlete-only strength and conditioning and athletic training rooms were constructed at a cost of $2 million on the concourse level. The recently completed $1.8 million renovation that followed included the installation of chairback seats, a custom designed center-hung Daktronics video board and four lower level corner scoreboards in time for this season.
