“Without the leadership and support of one and the idea and vision of the other, UHS would not be here today,” Bushman said. “We will dedicate the school to these two individuals venerating their courage and foresight that will serve generations.”

The school’s state of the art fitness center will also be unveiled for the first time at a special ribbon-cutting ceremony as part of the morning’s event.

The Governor’s Council on Sports and Physical Fitness named University High School as their 2009 High School of the Year.  As a result, the Council and sponsor Anthem Blue Cross Foundation have supplied new equipment for the center.

Superintendent Larry Powell of the Fresno County Office of Education, along with state officials will be on hand.

“University High students have consistently shown their commitment to excelling in all aspects of their education. Being healthy and physically fit is a prerequisite for reaching one’s academic potential. I’m proud to commend these students for taking on the Governor’s Fitness Challenge and not only benefiting themselves, but earning a world-class fitness center for their school,” said Powell.

Students began attending classes in the new school on Thursday, Nov. 18.

University High School was originally chartered through Sierra Unified School District in 2000 and now is chartered with Fresno Unified School District. The accelerated college preparatory, music and arts-enriched charter school has been nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report.

University High is home to 479 students. Throughout its history, it has served 1,000 students who have access to Fresno State facilities, attend college courses for credit and receive a small-school, accelerated achievement high school experience with no tuition. Ninety-eight percent of its graduates go to college.

Wrapped in stainless steel, the new school has a futuristic look that encapsulates future generations of UHS students and fosters a new tradition. Designer Arthur Dyson said the new look focuses on the total student, both physical and academic.

“A school environment was designed utilizing every tool to enhance the student’s comfort and technology needs which in turn will enrich the student’s performance,” Dyson said.

For more information, contact Tricia Bowlby, UHS director of development, at 559.287.2799.