DePaul University has finalized an agreement to open a state-of-the-art, full-service campus along the I-88 high-tech corridor in Naperville and will offer its first classes there in September.

The university signed a 20-year lease for 60,000 square feet in a building at 150 W. Warrenville Road, just north of I-88, along a stretch of interstate that is home to such top firms as Amoco, Nalco Chemical, Molex, Lucent Technologies and Spyglass.

"Since its founding, DePaul's mission has been to provide extraordinary education to working folks who want to improve both their professional careers and their communities," said the Rev. John P. Minogue, C.M., university president. "DePaul's commitment to a full campus in Naperville makes real our lifelong mission of providing accessible education for the working professional."

Renovations to transform the building into an educational facility equipped with top-of-the-line technology will begin immediately, as will construction of a 500-space parking lot. Twenty-one classrooms, two interactive-video rooms, a 125-seat auditorium, 28 faculty offices, a bookstore and library have been included in architectural plans drawn by Daniel P. Coffey and Associates. J.C. Anderson, Inc., of Villa Park will be the general contractor.

"Our research indicated that DePaul has an excellent academic reputation in DuPage County and the western suburbs," said David O. Justice, vice president for lifelong learning and suburban campuses. "Residents can benefit from new programs offering applied, professional and career-related skills. Our new campus will make a DePaul education convenient for people who live and work in the fastest growing county in the Midwest."

The campus will be tailored to adult students, and many programs will be offered completely on site. Some will be offered via interactive video technology and the Internet, including delivery to home and office via electronic technology.

Open houses beginning in April will provide detailed information to current and prospective students on the range of programs and services to be offered at the Naperville Campus.

The university will consolidate programs from its temporary Naperville Campus at Centre Point Drive and its Oak Brook Campus at Wolf and Cermak Roads, and offer them at the new campus. This larger campus strengthens DePaul's commitment to the western suburbs by providing twice as much space for quality programs and amenities adult students require.

Naperville resident William A. Calzaretta has been named executive director of suburban campuses and will serve as DePaul's liaison with the community. He will develop and coordinate outreach initiatives. One of his top priorities will be to invite local business, education and government leaders to join an advisory board to help identify academic, training and professional development needs in the area.

Darien resident Rosemary Skoczylas is director of suburban campus operations and will coordinate front-line service for students who enroll at the new campus.