Salesianum To Officially Dedicate DNA 'Megamolecule'

New program will enhance learning for Salesianum and area students

Wilmington, Del. (February 7, 2007) - Salesianum will formally dedicate its new DNA strand in the Rocco A. Abessinio '59 Science Center on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. in Centenary Hall.

Mr. Phil Vavala, Salesianum's science department chair, and Rev. Peter Leonard, OSFS, of DeSales University (Allentown, Pa.) will be speaking at the dedication.

The DNA model in the stairway of the Abessinio Science Center is three stories high, constructed of plate steel rungs and stainless steel in its backbone and spirals. It was designed, engineered and constructed at O'Rourke & Sons, Inc. in West Chester. It was installed - in one piece - by lowering it through a hole cut in the roof in August 2006.

In addition to being a beautifully engineered model of a section of DNA, the "Megamolecule" holds within it a part of the genetic code needed to make a very important molecule, hemoglobin. In a sense, the DNA is a blueprint for making a protein. Salesianum students will be able to study the structure of DNA and how it is decoded.

Salesianum plans to share the model and curriculum with area schools, including diocesan, private, and public schools. This outreach would provide the general community an opportunity to learn and become excited about biotechnology in general and life at Salesianum School in specific.

More information on Salesianum's new DNA Megamolecule is available at http://faculty.salesianum.org/~pvavala/DNA.html.

Salesianum School is a Roman Catholic independent secondary school that teaches young men to "Live Jesus", guided by the spirituality of Saint Francis de Sales, through a college preparatory education, enabling them to take their place in the world as Salesian gentlemen.

Please contact Jon Allison '97, alumni & communications director, at (302) 654-2495 ext. 143 with any questions.