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Eastern Gateway Community College names building for co-founder Arthur D’Anniballe

By AMY NEELEY 2 min read
HONORING A LEGACY — The children of Arthur D’Anniballe stand in front of the plaque located in what will now be known as the Arthur J. D’Anniballe Academic Center at Eastern Gateway Community College. There to share in the honor of their father are, from left, Tom D’Anniballe, Barbara D’Anniballe, and David D’Anniballe. -- Amy Neeley

STEUBENVILLE -- Eastern Gateway Community College's main campus building was renamed Monday for one of the school's founders, Arthur D'Anniballe -- a move that many in the crowd thought was long overdue.

"It took three (college) presidents to get this done," former community college president Edward Florak told the crowd. "He was committed to this college and to technical education. When I think of Art I think of hard work, commitment and service to the community."

Jimmie Bruce, current president of the school said the dedication was a way to honor D'Anniballe's "legacy and tradition."

"This is a way for his legacy to live on," he said. "He was instrumental in getting technical education in this area."

Jefferson County Commissioner Thomas Graham also spoke on D'Anniballe's legacy.

"He was a man that didn't do this because he had to, he did it because he cared," Graham said. "Next fall there will be 20,000 students enrolled in this school and all because he had a vision."

Ohio Sen. Frank Hoagland, R-Mingo Junction, read a proclamation in D'Anniballe's honor.

"I am sure you have all heard these (proclamations) before," he said. "But this one is different because this man was a visionary. He not only wanted people to succeed, he wanted to make sure we were successful in the future."

Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla was also on hand to honor D'Anniballe.

"He was one of the movers and shakers of Steubenville," he said. "It is the honor of my life to see him being honored."

D'Anniballe's son, Tom, who also served on the board of trustees for the school for 10 years, was the last speaker at the dedication.

"My father dedicated 27 years of his life to this school because he believed in this institution," he said. "(My brother, sister and I) want to express our gratitude. You will always have our support."

In addition to a plaque hanging in the main building, there are plans to have the side of the building facing John Scott Highway fitted to say the Arthur J. D'Anniballe Academic Center.

(Neeley can be contacted at aneeley@heraldstaronline.com)

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