A Tribute to Bart A. Milano

If ever there was a man who embodied the spirit of Central Pennsylvania College, then certainly that individual would be Bart A. Milano – a visionary, teacher and motivator. As someone who believed in providing opportunities as well as seizing them, Bart led by example and was recognized for his professional and personal accomplishments during his lifetime.

On November 1, 1969, Bart Milano purchased Central Pennsylvania Business School (now Central Pennsylvania College) located on Market Street in Harrisburg. Ten months later, Bart and Jean Milano moved the institution from its downtown location to Summerdale, Pennsylvania in East Pennsboro Township. The campus opened in 1970 as one of the first residential business schools in the country. Mr. Milano, who served for two decades as president of Central Pennsylvania Business School, officially retired from the institution in 1989.

Many of the school's unique traditions began during Milano's presidency and still continue today. He required a professional appearance policy for students, faculty, and staff to model the real-world business environment and developed a year-round class schedule (rather than two semesters) for the same reason. He insisted that Central Penn faculty train students to "be prepared for life in the world of business," and not just to prepare them for jobs - a philosophy that has become the hallmark of a Central Pennsylvania College education.

In 1972, under Milano's leadership, Central Penn received approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to award the Associate in Specialized Business degree. Accreditation from the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools followed in 1977.

He believed in himself, in his family and in the possibilities that dedication, a strong work ethic and a good education could provide. Therefore, it is no surprise that his legacy continues through helping students achieve their individual success through a career-focused, “real-world” education.

Bart touched many lives during his 20-year tenure at Central Penn and will continue to make a positive impact through Central Pennsylvania College’s Education Foundation’s Bart and Jean Milano Scholarship Fund. To learn more about the Bart and Jean Milano Scholarship Fund, call 717-728-2263 or email foundation@centralpenn.edu.

“People can learn remarkable things when properly motivated.” Bart A. Milano