John G. Rangos, Sr. Benefactor of the John G. Rangos, Sr. School of Health Sciences at Duquesne University

An avid environmentalist, John G. Rangos, Sr. was deeply impacted when he heard the news 15 years ago that Duquesne University was transforming an old gymnasium into an academic building.

"They were renovating an old building and making it new. They were recycling it, “ Rangos recalled of the school's earlier days.

Rangos was more than just impressed by Duquesne University 's decision – he was downright serious about making a contribution to what he believed was a worthwhile and noble cause.

Today, Rangos – who has given close to $3 million to the school that now bears his name – is the school's primary benefactor. He calls the John G. Rangos, Sr., School of Health Sciences a “magnificent destiny.” The school which started with only 296 students thirteen years ago now boasts 1,000.

“I think it's one of the most magnificent success stories in history,” Rangos said. “I think (the school) is going to play a very important part in the expansion and motivations and success of Duquesne, and I think it's going to play a very important part in our community.”

Raised in Weirton , WV , and Fredericksburg , VA , Rangos was born on July 27, 1929. He is the former chairman of Chambers Development Co. and former vice-chairman of the board for USA Waste Services Inc.

He began his career with Rockwell Manufacturing Co., where he earned the distinction of being the youngest general agent in company history. During the 1960's, he formed several companies and made numerous technological advances.

As head of three non-profit organizations – The John G. Rangos, Sr. Charitable Foundation, The Medal of Honor Foundation and the American Hellenic Information and Communications Group – Rangos has made a permanent mark on society. In addition to numerous awards, he was honored with the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year award from the National Society of Fundraising Executives.

“I think that coming from humble beginnings you understand the need for people. If you're any kind of human being, you should be willing to give back. There's no reason why anyone should live just to accumulate wealth,” he said.

Rangos, who is oft compared to Andrew Carnegie, started a small firm that emerged to be one of the largest waste companies in the world – Chambers Development Co., Inc. His former security company, Security Bureau Inc., is now the 8 th largest in the U.S.

As an influence, Rangos cited the example of E. T. Weir, the founder of Weirton who, along with Weirton Steel Corp., sponsored parades and built social centers throughout the town.

“He cared about giving back. That had a great impression on me,” he said of Weir. “As a man and as a little boy, I conceived in my mind that the great E. T. Weir was doing something for me.”

His personal interests in the health sciences also began as a child, saying he “just had a keen feeling about the sciences and the environment and its impact.”

Rangos returned to Duquesne for the May 2000 graduation to receive an honorary doctor of health sciences degree.

He said, “I'm honored naturally. Duquesne is one of the finest universities of its kind. We're extremely proud of that. …It's a credit to our state and our nation.”

To future graduates, he said, “Always look at life as a challenge. Always look at life as a way to fulfill any of your dreams. …”It's important that you recognize – no matter what talents you have – that having the blueprints for your life's work is very important to impose on yourself at a very young age.”