Pocono News Section

DeNaples Appears At Building Dedication

DeNaples Appears At Building Dedication - Friday, February 29, 2008 at 6:21PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Friday, Feb 29, 2008 @06:21pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY --Two controversial men--who've been avoiding the media appear in public and WBRE News is there to talk with both of them.

This morning, the University of Scranton dedicated its new $35 million student center -- named after Patrick and Margaret DeNaples --the parents of Dunmore business man Louis DeNaples. Also at the event, Bishop Joseph Martino---who's in the center of a storm of controversy with diocesan teachers. Jeff Chirico was there and spoke with both men.

An amazing building...but the men who were there overshadowed this event. I even saw some people sneak in the back of the mass to catch a glimpse of Louis DeNaples --the casino owner facing felony charges for allegedly lying about his ties to organized crime figures.

At the dedication mass of the new Patrick and Margaret DeNaples Center, Bishop Joseph Martino celebrated. Louis DeNaples sat up front. It's the first time, these two men have appeared in public since their respective controversies began.

Reporter Jeff Chirico asks, "Do you have anything to say regarding the perjury charges?" DeNaples reponds "Not today....could you share your reaction when you found out about these?"

In January, DeNaples was charged with lying to the Pennsylvania Gaming Board when applying for a casino license. His attorney has said he's innocent.

The $35 million four- story student center which now bears the DeNaples name, has a Starbucks, Quiznos, a fresh food dining area, and a student forum allowing students to collaborate on projects.

Rev. Scott Pilarz /University President

"This building is a spectacular addition to our campus. Its been long anticipated, much needed. A great home for campus community. That i really believe is second to none when caring for one another."

Chris Molitoris/Student government president

"Just all the open space we now have in this building, we have a fire place lounge, student forum, tons or retail areas."

But despite the beauty of the building, there's an elephant in the student center.

Chirico asks "how do you reconcile the naming of the building after a man who is charged with perjury?” Pilarz responds, “There's no controversy here on this campus about that man. He and his family have been our closest friends for generations and this building recognizes the leadership that the entire family has exercised."

Students agreed. No controversy. "We're thankful for the DeNaples family for supporting us..."

But there have been jokes. Meagan Pehnke/Sophomore "Just that we have a new beautiful student center such a big deal that this guy who’s looked up to for giving money for this up-to-date building look at all the trouble he's in."

DeNaples wouldn't say much about the building. “We didn't imagine too much other than taking care of the children students of the university."

University spokesman tells me, they didn't name the building for the DeNaples because of one major donation to the school but for the family's support over many years.