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Zippo Owner Tours New UPB Engineering Technologies Building

Andy Paulsen
Mar 9, 2023 | 3:13 PM
Zippo Owner Tours New UPB Engineering Technologies Building

George B. Duke, owner of Zippo Manufacturing Co., admires the latest panther statue at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The new statue was carved from a tree that was removed to clear space for the construction of the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building, which is named in Duke’s honor. The building is home to two new engineering technology programs as well as the university’s computer information systems and technology program. Carved in 2021 by Ridgway chainsaw artist Joe Dussia, the statue was the idea of Ron Orris, executive director of the Philo and Sarah Blaisdell Foundation in Bradford, which sponsored the carving. It now stands in the atrium of the Duke Building. (Photo by Glenn Melvin, courtesy UPB)



The owner of Zippo was given an advance tour of the new building at Pitt-Bradford that bears his name.

George B. Duke was treated to a sneak peek at the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building, which is the new home to the University’s computer information systems and technology program as well as two new engineering technology programs.

During the visit, Duke also got a look at a new panther statue carved for the building by Ridgway chainsaw artist Joe Dussia from one of the trees cleared to make way for the new building.

The Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building’s dedication will take place on Friday, March 31st.