Temperatures may have been cold outside, but spirits were
warm and the possibilities boundless for the
impact a new science complex at Eastern Michigan University
will make on its students' education and the state's economy.
The University broke ground on the $90 million science
complex with a symbolic ceremony on the east side of Mark
Jefferson Nov. 18. The project will include a renovation
of the existing 180,000-square-foot Mark Jefferson Building
(which houses the biology, chemistry and psychology departments)
and the addition of a three-story section that will add
72,000 square feet to the facility. The new addition will
feature 36 science teaching labs. The complex is expected
to be completed in 2011.
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BREAKING GROUND: During a groundbreaking
ceremony for the new science complex Nov. 18, EMU
President Susan Martin (above, middle) and the
Board of Regents turned some dirt in a sandbox
built
for the occasion. (above, from left) Regents
James
Stapleton, Mohamed Okdie, Roy Wilbanks, Thomas
Sidlik, Floyd Clack and Fran Parker put their shovels
to good use.
|
"The project we are breaking ground on today is more than
a science facility," said EMU President Susan Martin before
a crowd of more than 120 huddled in a heated tent. "It
represents EMU's continued tradition of excellence in teaching
and the extension of knowledge through basic and applied
research."
Martin stressed the new science complex will improve the
learning and research environment for students and faculty;
increase the number of better-prepared science educators
in classrooms in Michigan and the United States; and lay
a cornerstone for the future economic stability of the
state.
"We must transform Michigan into a knowledge economy and
educate a new workforce," Martin said.
"The project is much more than a new building; it represents
the dawning of a new era in science at EMU," said Marianne
LaPorte, department head of biology. "Not only will the
complex contain safe, secure, state-of-the-art teaching
and research labs in which the faculty can advance scientific
knowledge and train students in the practice of science,
but it will also bring together groups of faculty and students
in a way that has not been possible before at EMU."
Building features will include: a new mechanical system
serving the whole complex that will dramatically reduce
energy consumption and costs; a "green" roof, which will
present a teaching opportunity in sustainable building
design and the main pedestrian pathway will include a rain
garden, which will help filter and detain storm water runoff
and provide a teaching opportunity for sustainable design.
"EMU's modern and expanded science facility will
remove many barriers to learning and researching science," said
Tom Venner, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "It
will allow our science faculty and students to achieve
their learning goals and to dare to dream bigger dreams."
Some of the more distinct features of the new complex
will be a spherical-shaped classroom; a pedestrian bridge
will connect the west parking lots to the science complex;
and the entry atrium will serve as a gateway and pass-thru
from the west parking lots to the campus center.
The architectural firm of Lord, Aeck and Sargeant, of
Ann Arbor, designed the complex. Christman, of Ann Arbor,
is the project contractor. DMJM Management, of Detroit,
is the program manager.
The building is being funded through the sale of bonds
and through a 4-percent tuition increase passed in 2005.
Jim Grinias, an EMU senior who plans to pursue his
master's in analytical chemistry and eventually become
a professor, said he is "glad to say that we finally have
the opportunity to fulfill our dedication to 'Education
First.'"
"Because of this dedication and groundbreaking,
I am excited to see that steps are continuing to be taken
to give our science departments the resources and facilities
they need to truly achieve their highest goals," he said.
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TAG TEAM: Thomas Sidlik, chair
of EMU's
Board of Regents, and
EMU President Susan Martin
pose for a photo opportunity
during the new science
complex
groundbreaking ceremony,
which took place
on the east
side of Mark Jefferson Nov. 18. |
Don Loppnow, executive vice president and provost, provided
specific examples of how the new science complex will allow
interdisciplinary learning in a laboratory setting. In
one example, he said the molecular biology group has long
been composed of faculty from biology and chemistry, and
has expanded to include collaborations with faculty in
the College of Technology and the College of Health and
Human Services.
"This group is at the cutting edge of their disciplines,
dealing with issues ranging from advanced genetics and
microbiology to important aspects of human health, plant
science and development of organisms."
Members of the Mark Jefferson family were present for
the ceremony. The group included his granddaughter, Linda
Randolph; a niece, Dorothy Greer; and Debby Bolton, his
great-granddaughter; and Bolton's son, Michael, a freshman
at EMU. Mark Jefferson was an EMU faculty member and department
head of geography from 1901-1939.
After the speeches were made, Martin, the Board of Regents
and other dignitaries donned white hardhats and propped
themselves on shiny shovels before turning the soil in
a special wooden sandbox set up for the occasion. An illustrated
rendering of the science complex was mounted behind them.
After the groundbreaking ceremony, more than 200 faculty,
staff, students and guests enjoyed a reception in McKenny
Hall, where the buzz about the project continued.
Peter Bednakoff, a biology professor, said he is looking
forward to first-rate facilities, particularly to continue
his research with birds.
"It will be nice to have a building designed for sciences
in the 21st century," said Ross Nord, department head
of chemistry. "When Mark Jefferson was built, they did
a very nice job. But, things have changed. This new complex
will provide many interdisciplinary possibilities." — Ward
Mullens contributed to this report.
