Nov 20, 2014 04:39 PM EST By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Transylvania University in Kentucky will receive a $2 million donation for the renovation of one of the most prominent buildings on its campus.

The Haupt Humanities building is set to receive a major facelift thanks, in part, to a generous gift from 1964 alumnus alumnus Alvin R. "Pete" and Marilyn Carpenter.

"My education at Transylvania left me with a desire for lifelong learning," Pete, who retired in 2001 as vice chairman of CSX Corporation, said in a statement. "This desire for learning and curiosity has helped me in my business endeavors. Institutions like Transylvania are the basis to the success some of us have been fortunate enough to have enjoyed. It's crucial to give back to these institutions in order to help prepare and educate our next generation of leaders."

Pete has been an active alumnus of Transylvania, having served on the institution's Board of Trustees from 1993 to 2000. He is also the recipient of the school's Morrison Medallion, which is given to alums for outstanding service to Transylvania and its programs. After completing his college degree, Carpenter joined CSX where he rose up the ranks, having held such positions as executive vice president for sales and marketing, executive vice president of operations, and president and CEO of CSX Transportation before retiring as vice chairman of CSX Corporation. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Regency Corporation, Stein Mart Corporation and Consol Energy.

"Pete and Marilyn have a clear sense of the importance of liberal arts education in the 21st century," Transylvania President Seamus Carey said. "They understand that attracting the best students requires not only an excellent curriculum and teachers, but it also demands first-class facilities. While Transylvania's academic quality is excellent, we need our facilities to keep pace. Haupt Humanities, which all Transylvania students use, is our main academic building and an iconic symbol of our campus. A refurbished academic building will provide students and faculty the environment they need to perform at their best.  It is our hope that this gift will inspire other alumni to match the Carpenters' generosity by contributing to this important university project."  

Plans for the renovation of Haupt Humanities are being reviewed, and the project is anticipated to cost between $4 million and $6 million. Fundraising endeavors have begun, with construction starting once the total amount has been raised.

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