Edward Dunlap’s Legacy

Saint Vincent community remembers philanthropist Edward Dunlap as construction begins on facility bearing his family name

STORY

Zach Flock

The evolution of the Saint Vincent College campus continues with the construction of the Dunlap Family Athletic and Recreation Center, a project made possible in large part thanks to the generosity of Edward Dunlap, who passed away on July 23; his wife, Anna; their son, Tim; daughter-in-law, Teri; and their families. The 82,200 square foot facility will be located on the Saint Vincent College campus adjacent to the Fred M. Rogers Center. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2024. Edward Dunlap was a businessman and founder of CentiMark Corp., a billion-dollar corporation located in Canonsburg and the largest commercial roofing and flooring company in North America. He and his wife also own LeMont Restaurant on Mt. Washington, among other businesses. His legacy of philanthropy lives on in CentiMark’s contributions to local communities. According to the company’s website, “while roofing and flooring are CentiMark’s businesses, giving back to the community is the company’s commitment.” From hurricane relief and food drives to assisting those affected by the opioid epidemic, CentiMark and the Dunlap family led by example.

“Mr. Dunlap’s passion for education and the needs of the poor was fueled by his fervent faith,” noted Father Paul Taylor. “His

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philanthropy was often anonymous, reflecting his humility. Many have been blessed by his wisdom and generosity over these many years. We are grateful for our long friendship with him and for the life he led. Our continued prayers are with his family.”

On the Saint Vincent campus, Mr. Dunlap’s legacy will live on in the facility that bears his family’s name. When completed, the Dunlap Family Athletic and Recreation Center will be a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose indoor complex with abundant space for an array of athletic, fitness, and recreational activities.

The Dunlap Family Athletic and Recreation Center enhances the College’s current recreation and exercise offerings, housing a fitness room with cardio and circuit training equipment; a recreational track; and instruction rooms for yoga, Pilates, and other fitness classes. The center will house intramural athletic competition and varsity athletic practice, and includes meeting rooms, visiting spaces and a healthy café. There will also be an athletic training center for medical therapy and treatment.

Andrew Kunz, C’23, president of the Student Government Association and treasurer of the Health & Fitness Club, noted the role the center will play in the growth of all SVC students: “This facility will allow students an opportunity to better themselves both physically and socially,” said Kunz. “It will be a great escape from the stress of college and allow our vibrant community to grow further through greater athletic performance, expansion in intramurals, and additional space for clubs to improve recreation.”

Funding for the project came primarily from private donors, while the College also received a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

As Father Paul noted when the project was first announced in February, the Dunlap Family Athletic and Recreation Center “was designed carefully with input from students and with attention to the latest technology and kinesiologic science. The Dunlaps’ investment in Saint Vincent College and in the lives of our students will bear much fruit today and in the generations ahead.” ♦

Groundbreaking for the new facility took place on Friday, September 9.