John Deere Foundation Awards $100,000 for University Science Center
Apr 12, 2007 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
The John Deere Foundation recently announced $100,000 in funding support for the newly renovated and expanded University Science Center.
"I want to express my thanks to the John Deere Foundation for their support of this important renovation and expansion project," stated President Bullock. "The University's new Science Center is a state-of-the-art facility which enables us to resource to our science programs that are educating the next generation of scientists, health care professionals, and teachers."
With the world of science and science education changing more in the past four decades than in any other period of history, the University of Dubuque Science Center underwent extensive renovation and expansion to create a twenty-first century science facility. A key goal of the University's science program is to provide sufficient laboratory space and equipment for
hands-on learning experiences using cutting-edge teaching methods. The new laboratories include state-of-the-art equipment and safety measures. Smaller research laboratories are located throughout the Center, enhancing collaborative student-faculty research projects and encouraging multidisciplinary study. The entire Center has been designed to create an environment conducive to learning and to inspiring discovery.
An attractive facility, the expanded and renovated Science Center is designed to welcome visitors to the campus at the University Avenue entrance as well as embrace the science community within the University. The 32,000 square foot Goldthorp Wing, originally constructed in 1960, is echoed in Mary Chlapaty Hall, a 21,000 square foot addition anchoring the east edge of the campus. The design of Chlapaty Hall accommodates efficient laboratories, with an eye toward long-term flexibility.
Laboratory spaces include geology, zoology, general biology, cell/microbiology, science education, nursing, general chemistry, organic chemistry, geographic information systems (GIS), and five research labs to accommodate student-faculty collaborative research projects. Mary Chlapaty Hall is joined to the renovated Goldthorp Wing by the multi-level Walter and Barbara Peterson Atrium which forms a gathering and study area stretching from the University Avenue northern exposure to the A. Y. McDonald Plaza's southern exposure. This spacious, light filled space serves to strengthen the connection between the interior of the building and its surrounding inside-outside communities in ways that are inviting and welcoming.
The south side of the Center facing Peters Commons features the A. Y. McDonald Plaza and includes the William A. Knapp Amphitheater which can be used for outdoor classes, student-faculty conversations, lunch-time performances, and small ceremonies.
The John Deere Foundation is the philanthropic foundation of Deere & Company - the world's leading manufacturer of agricultural and forestry equipment. The John Deere Foundation was founded in 1948 and primarily supports programs in education, health and human services, community development, and arts and culture.
