UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- As the University Creamery prepares to move into its new home this summer, the dairy processing plant and ice cream parlor that holds a special place in Penn State lore already occupies a new home on the Web.

In anticipation of the creamery's relocation from Borland Laboratory to the new Food Science Building under construction a half block down Curtin Road, a redesigned Web site has been launched that promises more information and greater ease of use for visitors. "We wanted to offer a Web site with smoother navigation, more links and better access to information," says James Brown, assistant manager of the creamery.

The first phase of the new site contains updated photographs, a bulletin board of upcoming events, an illustrated history of the creamery and an enhanced online sales feature that allows visitors to purchase creamery products for shipping anywhere in the continental United States. When completed, the second phase of the Web site will highlight photographs and a virtual tour of the creamery's new home.

The new creamery -- which will be the Penn State icon's fifth location since its establishment in 1865 -- will be on the first floor of the 130,000-square-foot Food Science Building, which is expected to be occupied in time for the 2006-2007 academic year. Customer service space in the new location will increase from the current 1,400 square feet to 3,700 square feet. The creamery storefront will be named The Berkey Creamery in honor of Jeanne and Earl Berkey, who made a $3 million gift in support of the new building..

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Chuck Gill Writer/Editor Phone: 814-863-2713 E-mail: cdg5@psu.edu