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Delaware Valley University Receives $2,025M RACP Grant Award for Poultry Science Center

Doylestown, PA (12/02/2024) — Delaware Valley University (DelVal) has received a $2,025,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the PA Department of Budget to support the construction of a new Poultry Science Center on the main campus in Doylestown, Pa. Governor Shapiro's office announced the grant awards November 2.

"We are thrilled to receive this vital funding that accelerates our ability to build a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advancing poultry research, education and innovation," said DelVal President Dr. Benjamin Rusiloski. "This grant, along with the cornerstone gift from Mountaire Farms, Inc., puts us significantly closer to breaking ground for the new facility. The need for research, innovation and teaching in poultry science is critical to support the ongoing growth in the poultry industry in the United States and worldwide."

The new Poultry Science Center will provide modern research laboratories, classrooms, and demonstration spaces designed to foster collaboration between students, faculty and industry experts. The facility will also have the capacity to produce 5,000 birds every 6 to 8 weeks, providing an additional revenue stream to support teaching and learning at DelVal.

"We extend our thanks to Senator Santarsiero and Representative Brennan for their assistance in securing this grant," added Dr. Rusiloski.

"Delaware Valley University, as a leader in agricultural science education, is uniquely positioned to meet the growing need for higher education programs focused on poultry science," Senator Santarsiero said. "The new Poultry Science Center will provide students with hands-on educational experience to successfully join this growing work force while providing continuing education to local processors and industry professionals."

Rep. Brennan added, "In my first term, I worked to preserve agriculture space, advancing a bill to save more farms - a huge challenge in the 21st century. Projects like this make sure we are doing the most we can with that preserved space. Delaware Valley University (DelVal) has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in agricultural sciences, and the Poultry Science Center is a testament to the institution's dedication to innovation and progress. This project is important to Bucks County, not only in terms of education and research, but also in promoting economic growth and sustainability."

About Delaware Valley University

Delaware Valley University (DelVal) is a private, comprehensive, nonprofit university educating students with a curriculum that emphasizes and requires experiential learning. Located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, about 30 miles north of Philadelphia, the University offers 29 undergraduate majors in business, arts and sciences, and agricultural and environmental sciences; 12 master's degrees; and a doctorate in education. Founded in 1896, DelVal has been cited by the National Society for Experiential Education as having the country's top experiential learning program, by Princeton Review as one of the best colleges in the Northeast, and by College Factual as having one of the top 20 animal science programs in the country.

Media Attachments

From L-R: T.J. Lonergan, Executive Director Bucks County Industrial Development Authority; Connor Corpora, Deputy Director Southeast Office of the Governor; Rep. Tim Brennan, Pa. State Representative (D-29); Dr. Benjamin Rusiloski, DelVal President; Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10); Dr. Broc Sandelin, DelVal Dean of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; Joe Fiochetta DelVal Vice President, Development and Alumni Affairs

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