Pitt Donor James Duratz Wins National Athletic Development Award

PITTSBURGH—Long-time friend of and donor to the University of Pittsburgh James J. Duratz has received the Donor of the Year Award, University Division, from the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD) at its national convention June 11-14, in Dallas, Texas.

Duratz's many contributions to Pitt's Department of Athletics include the establishment of multiple student-athlete scholarship funds, including the Barco Athletic Scholarship Fund; he was the primary donor for the Panther' state-of-the-art football practice facility and training complex—the Duratz Athletic Complex in the UPMC Sports Performance Complex—and the Duratz Locker Room at Heinz Field.

"The University of Pittsburgh has been blessed by its long relationship with the Barco-Duratz family," said Pitt Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg. "I count Jim as one of my dear friends, in addition to feeling tremendous admiration for all that he has accomplished and all that he is. That he has been chosen for this important national award is not surprising, but is certainly fitting. It is just one more well-deserved acknowledgment of Jim's generous spirit and his deep personal commitment to making a difference for generations to come."

"Jim is an extraordinary fan and supporter of Pitt Athletics, and he truly is deserving of this national recognition," said Pitt Athletic Director Jeff Long. "His contributions have had an immeasurable impact on Pitt and its athletics program."

Duratz's relationship with the University of Pittsburgh began following his marriage to the late Helene Barco Duratz, the daughter of George J. Barco (LAW '34) and sister to Yolanda G. Barco (LAW '49). Pitt's Law School Building recently was renamed the Barco Law Building in honor of the Barco family. Duratz's generous contributions also included the creation of the George J. Barco Center for Continuing Education and the Helene Barco Duratz Plaza, both at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, and the Duratz Technology Courtroom in the Pitt School of Law.

The Barco-Duratz family, whose professional achievements are legendary, has a long history of exceptional commitment and of tireless service to the University of Pittsburgh. The family's combined contributions include support for medical and health-related projects. Duratz was inducted in 2000 as a charter member of Pitt's Cathedral of Learning Society, which recognizes individuals who have given $1 million or more to the University over their lifetimes. He also is a member of the Sutherland Society for annual gifts of $10,000 or more to the Department of Athletics.

"The University of Pittsburgh has benefited from the generosity of Jim and his extended family countless ways," said Albert J. Novak, vice chancellor for Pitt's Office of Institutional Advancement. "His contributions and the generosity of the Barco-Duratz family have advanced the University and its students in countless ways. People like Jim have helped make the University what it is today."

The NAADD is administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). The NAADD provides educational and networking opportunities, enhancement of acceptable operating standards and ethics, and establishment of the overall prestige and understanding of the profession of athletics development and fund raising. The NACDA serves as the professional development and educational association for more than 6,100 college athletics directors, associates, assistants, fundraisers, and conference commissioners at more than 1,600 institutions throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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6/21/04/tmw