University of Dubuque Dedicates Science Center
May 9, 2007 | University of Dubuque Theological Seminary
On Friday afternoon, May 11, 2007 the University of Dubuque will officially dedicate the newly renovated and expanded University Science Center. The ceremony will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Peterson Atrium of the Science Center. A reception and tours of the building will follow.
From August 2005 through January 2007, the University of Dubuque Science Center underwent extensive renovation and expansion to create a twenty-first century science facility. The 32,000 square foot Goldthorp Hall, originally constructed in 1960, is echoed in Mary Chlapaty Hall, a 21,000 square foot addition anchoring the east edge of the campus. The architectural features of Chlapaty Hall accommodate beautifully designed efficient laboratories, with an eye toward long-term flexibility.
The new laboratories include state-of-the-art equipment, ergonomic furnishings, safety, and ADA measures. The entire Center has been designed to create a welcoming environment for exploration and discovery in an atmosphere conducive to today's interactive, interdisciplinary, hands-on learning styles. 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.
"We're excited about the possibilities for program development and recruiting that the new building creates," said Dale Easley, Department of Natural and Applied Sciences Chair. "It is a place for teaching, community-building, and research. The University's dedication of the Science Center challenges us to be as great a program as the building."
"We are grateful to Joe and Linda Chlapaty, the John Deere and Kresge Foundations, countless individual donors, and Senators Grassley and Harkin, former Congressman Nussle, Congressman Latham and the entire Iowa Congressional delegation for their tremendous support in securing federal funding or 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 devote the proper resources to our growing science programs."
The dedication ceremony is free and open to the public.
