By Joshua Byers
jbyers@tribdem.com
Read the original article at The Tribune-Democrat

‘He lives on’: Pitt-Johnstown dedicates old MetLife building as new university center named for benefactor

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown faculty and staff were joined Thursday by relatives of the late John R. Musulin in dedicating a new university center in honor of Musulin’s life and dedication to the school.

“The results of his great life will be infused in this building,” UPJ President Jem Spectar said.

In October, Musulin donated $2.2 million to Pitt-Johnstown to purchase the former MetLife building on the 500 block of Schoolhouse Road in Richland Township.

At the time, the Pitt grad said he was “excited by the vision the university holds not only for this property, but for the entire Johnstown campus, and I’m happy to lend my support.”

Musulin did not live to see the dedication of the nearly 200,000-square-foot John R. Musulin University Center and 74 acres in his honor. He died in May.

Although he couldn’t be there in person, several speakers at the event said Musulin was with them in spirit and spoke fondly about his life and passions.

Family of John R. Musulin gather around a portrait of the donor during the dedication of the John R. Musulin University Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown on Schoolhouse Road in Richland Township on Thursday, August 28, 2025. From left to right: Bill Larkin and Carol Dennhardt, sister of Richmond, Ky., Janette Mish, sister, with her daughter Lauren Mish and friend Jackson Easterly, all of Philadelphia.

The UPJ staff unveiled not only the name of the building in the lobby, but also a portrait of Musulin near the entrance that will greet visitors for years to come.

“He lives on as a principled man with a sense of purpose whose passion for life will infuse this building,” Spectar said. “He lives on as a man of integrity and a commitment to duty and family that will continue to inspire us and make us all better.

He lives on with his love of beauty and art that will be reflected in the design of this building and the gardens and fountains that surround it. ... He lives on in the spirit of Pitt.”

Spectar shared a seven-point analysis of Musulin’s life and passions with the crowd, detailing his love of dance, aesthetics and details.

Spectar said Musulin’s gift helped position Pitt-Johnstown to begin a new century at its Richland Township campus — the school will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.

UPJ will use the new center to develop and house new engineering and health care programs, as well as expanded athletics.

Spectar said the land will also be used to build new turf fields and a gymnasium that will unify athletics at Pitt-Johnstown.

“May this center be an anchor in our community,” said Cambria County Commissioner Thomas Chernisky, who worked for 30 years at the MetLife building.

Raymond Wrabley, UPJ professor and vice president of academic affairs, described the dedication as a “momentous step in development of our campus.”

For Musulin’s family, the moment was “emotionally charged,” said his sister Carol (Musulin) Dennhardt, who made the trip from Kentucky to attend, fulfilling her brother’s last wish.

“One of his last requests was that we’d be here today,” said sister Janette (Musulin) Mish.

Dennhardt said the family is proud of Musulin’s legacy and although the dedication was surreal, it was a happy occasion.

“Being able to see his name on the wall and portrait was really breathtaking,” said niece Lauren Mish.

The event concluded with a musical tribute to Musulin — “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, one of his favorite bands, played while Spectar, Janette Mish and Dennhardt danced.