March 10, 2005
Troutt-Wittmann Academic & Training Center named
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- The SIU Board of Trustees today (March 10) formally approved naming the addition to Lingle Hall the Troutt-Wittman Academic & Training Center in honor of SIU alumni Kenny Troutt and Thomas P. "Pete" Wittmann. Wittmann's generous gift will fully fund the project - the first time a private donor has provided completely for a building addition.
Wittman and Troutt both attended SIUC in the early 1960's and played football, roomed together and became fraternity brothers. The friendship continued and the two are still best friends and successful business partners.
Construction on the $3.4 million addition is under way and should be completed within the next year. Wittmann gave the University a total of $4.4 million and the remaining $1 million will go to endowed scholarships in honor of his father, William G. Wittmann.