RICHMOND —
Eastern Kentucky University’s new science building has been open for one semester and half of another, but the facility is already making a difference, President Doug Whitlock said during a Saturday morning dedication ceremony.
Basking in a sense of accomplishment in the last year of his presidency, Whitlock said:
• Student test scores are up
• Absenteeism is down
• Faculty collaboration and scholarship are up
• Instructor evaluations have improved.
Saturday’s gathering of mostly current and retired faculty in the building’s central atrium was more a celebration than a dedication, several participants said.
The $64 million, 175,000-square-foot facility, on Kit Carson Drive next to Eastern’s health sciences complex, houses the departments of chemistry and physics/astronomy as well as science education classrooms and laboratories.
However, only half of the building has been completed. A second phase that will house biological sciences as well as the geography/geology departments has not been funded and remains EKU’s top construction priority, Whitlock said.
Other speakers at the hour-long event included U.S. Rep. Ben Chandler, D-Sixth District; Dr. Gary Booth, an EKU alumnus who is the retired vice president of research for Procter & Gamble; and Dr. Malcolm Frisbie, faculty regent and the faculty “shepherd” during the design and construction process.
Dorinda Rigsby, a pre-pharmacy major who received a scholarship endowed by Booth and his wife, also spoke.
Joanne Glasser, who was EKU president when the General Assembly funded the project, attended the ceremony but did not speak.
Chandler praised the work of former state legislators Harry Moberly and Ed Worley to secure funding. “(Their) contributions to EKU have been incalculable,” he said.
Whitlock thanked the congressman for securing approximately $1.3 million in federal funding to equip the building.
Both Chandler and Whitlock cited the importance of science for America’s future prosperity and global competitiveness.
Chandler said the country’s low rankings in math and science “absolutely have to change. It starts with our public K-12 schools and ends with our universities. We’re talking about improving our lives … and making our country competitive in a global economy. I’m proud of EKU for stepping up to the plate.”
Rigsby, a sophomore, said she has been “really impressed” by the classrooms, labs and “state-of-the-art” technology, as well as by the University’s sciences faculty, who she said “take great pride in the subject they’re teaching. This building is a shining example of how much Eastern does care. I’m very proud to be a student of this university.”
Booth said he has visited university science facilities in Europe, India and China, “and this is really world-class.
“It’s very important,” Booth said, “for students to have hands-on experiences, and (this facility) is designed to shorten the interface between the classroom and hands-on work.”
Frisbie, also a professor of biological sciences, said: “Universities are filled with creative, energetic and innovative people (and) are at their best when they harness that creativity, innovation and energy. No project epitomizes what can be done by a University community more than this building does.”
He saluted Glasser for her vision almost a decade ago, Moberly and Worley for their persistent efforts in the General Assembly, and Whitlock for his strong support “to enable this to go forward.”
The building in its current form would not have been possible without the support of two academic departments that aren’t yet located within its walls. Frisbie saluted the administrators of the departments of biological sciences and geography/geology for their willingness to remain in their current home until Phase 2 can be constructed.
“Our work is not done,” Frisbie said. “Let’s get funding in this next legislative session, and let’s make it our goal that we meet back here in April 2017 for another dedication ceremony when we open Phase 2.”
A plaque honoring Frisbie’s work as “advocate, ambassador, translator, diplomat and referee” was unveiled during the ceremony.
“His efforts made every aspect of this building better,” Whitlock said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
The New Science Building on EKU's campus Saturday, Oct. 27. Kaitlin Keane
-
President Doug Whitlock spoke at the New Science Building dedication on EKU's campus Saturday. Kaitlin Keane
-
Retired EKU Physics professors, Jerry Faughn, left, and Charles Teague, right, explore one of the new studio laboratories in the Department of Physics and Astronomy during the dedication of the New Science Building Saturday, Oct. 27. Kaitlin Keane
-
Joanne Whitlock, right, and Dr. Malcolm Frisbie, laugh as Rep. Ben Chandler (D-Sixth Dist.) spoke Saturday at the New Science Building dedication. Kaitlin Keane
-
Dr. Malcolm Frisbie, back left, spoke about the New Science Building at the dedication on EKU's campus Saturday, Oct. 27. Kaitlin Keane
The future of science at EKU
Eastern cites progress in science learning as new building dedicated
- Local News
-
-
Sheriff Combs’ funeral scheduled for Saturday
Madison County Sheriff Jerry Combs’ sudden death Monday evening has left “big shoes” to fill, according to many in the community.
“As everybody, I am saddened and grieved over the death of Jerry,” Madison County Judge/Executive Kent Clark said. “Everybody’s in shock.” -
Storm topples towering motel sign
No one was injured late Tuesday afternoon when a brief but severe storm blew a Red Roof Inn sign from its base and sent it crashing into a pickup truck parked at the motel. Strong thunderstorms are expected today.
-
Craft lovers fill Kirksville Community Center
The Kirksville Community Center was packed with artists and craft lovers Saturday for the Spring Gathering craft/vendor fair.
Many talented local and regional crafters were set up for the event.
One of the youngest was Laisha Gaines, a 10-year-old from Georgetown, who was selling homemade crafts with her grandmother, Jayne Gaines of Paris. Gaines said she started crafting with Laisha when she was only 3.
Laisha has now taken up most of her grandmother's stand with her creations, from wooden owls to beaded jewelry to small quilted items that are quirky and cute. -
MCHD partners with Baptist Health-Richmond to continue diabetes services
Although state funding cuts is forcing its Diabetes Center of Excellence to close June 21, the Madison County Health Department has found a new partner to help provide local support for people with diabetes.
-
State program cuts concern child caregivers
Kentucky Youth Advocates estimate 63,000 children in Kentucky live with family members other than their parents or with family friends.
Two of them live with their grandmother, Dorothy McNair of Berea, who refers to such children as “our gift packages.” -
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Bluegrass hosts first-ever horse show
Many times, when people think of Big Brothers, Big Sisters, they think of the organization’s fundraiser Bowl for Kids’ Sake.
But this year, BBBS of the Bluegrass is trying something new.
“Based on the response that I’ve gotten from our community and surrounding communities, I’m expecting a big event,” said Rhonda Middleton, BBBS of the Bluegrass regional program manager. -
Facebook fans help RPD track down robbery suspect
Facebook fans of the Richmond Police Department page have helped officers identify a man wanted for a January strong-arm robbery at the downtown CVS store.
-
MSO: Intoxicated man let young child drive car
A Madison County Sheriff’s deputy arrested a man on misdemeanor charges Monday after she saw a car driven by a young child go by her house.
-
Union City Day
Rainy weather didn’t dampen the spirit of those who turned out for Union City Day on Saturday.
-
Learning under the sun
Students in Stephen Rupard’s fourth-grade class said they can remember when the wetland full of green frogs, dragonfly larvae and tadpoles was just a dip in the gently rolling hills behind their school.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Sheriff Combs’ funeral scheduled for Saturday
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
