William V. Campbell grew up a block away from the new education and recreation center that now bears his name at Barrett Elementary School in the Steel Valley School District.

Long before he was an Ivy League graduate, father, college football coach and Silicon Valley mogul, Mr. Campbell was a Homestead student and athlete -- just last week celebrating the 52nd anniversary of Homestead High School's class of 1958.

Many of the fields and facilities that Homestead students use today are named for the Campbell family.

William V. Campbell Athletic Field is named for his father, a veteran of World War I, mill worker and a superintendent of schools of the former Homestead School District.

A middle school gymnasium and athletic room at the Carnegie Library of Homestead are named for his late brother, James J. Campbell, a former Navy commander and fighter pilot who, like the younger William Campbell, was a standout athlete at Homestead high.

The new William V. Campbell Education & Recreation Center at Barrett Elementary is named for the boy who grew up watching the Homestead Grays with his dad and who played football and volleyball and ran track in high school.

It's for the Mon Valley kid who moved to New York City to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from Columbia University, where he later coached football for six seasons.

And it's for the local benefactor who has donated about $20 million to his hometown school for athletic facilities, classrooms and technology with what he's earned as an executive and consultant with some of the most recognizable companies -- Apple, Google, Kodak and Intuit, which is best known for its Quicken software.

When Barrett students start a new academic year today, they'll be able to learn and play in the new 17,000-square-feet facility, which includes additional classroom and office space, a computer lab, production stage, full-size gymnasium, restrooms and an elevator.

The $4 million construction began last year and was funded by Mr. Campbell. A dedication ceremony was held Friday in his honor.

"When I first saw this place, it brought tears to my eyes," Mr. Campbell said. "There are things you think about growing up, things you want to be able to do," he said, pausing to hold back tears.

"I wanted to be able to help Steel Valley schools...and something special for Barrett. Our young children need every opportunity they can get."

Although the district can affix a $20 million price tag to Mr. Campbell's donations, what he's given the district is immeasurable, Superintendent William Kinavey said.

Dr. Kinavey said Mr. Campbell has given Steel Valley 1,700 computers for the 1,800 students, a new middle school gym, a turf football field, new locker rooms, refurbished athletic facilities, football funding and financial contributions to various programs.

"He's been generous beyond anyone's wildest imagination," said Shawn McCallister, athletic and activities director at Steel Valley.

Students at Steel Valley have access to the top technology in the state, said Joe Ducar, a member of both the William Campbell Foundation Board and Steel Valley school board.

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.