Eastern Michigan University marked the end of renovations in Phase II of the Mark Jefferson Science Complex at an Oct. 30 event.
The Science Complex Phase II renovation project began Dec. 20, 2010 and was completed Aug. 31. The energy-efficient building is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, has refurbished classrooms and laboratories, elevated lighting and up-to-date storage facilities.
During the celebration, the attendees viewed a video promoting the building’s renovation. In the clip, professors remarked on the benefits the improvements have brought to the students.
Featured in the video, EMU biology professor Robert Winning said,
“It’s such a huge difference having state-of-the-art classrooms now where all of the classrooms are equipped with projectors.”
EMU President Susan Martin said in a press release that the Science
Complex was completed on time and within budget and commended the support of faculty and staff.
“This is a beautiful, collaborative project,” she said. “It was challenging at times. But look at what we’ve done together.”
At $90 million dollars, the self-funded project focused on improvements for the building within the areas of technology and infrastructure.
Funding for the project was first sanctioned in January 2007. Board of Regents chairman Roy Wilbanks and Regent Tom Sidlik (chair of the board in 2007) pushed for the project after joining the board in December 2004.
“We put a great deal of effort into infrastructure,” Wilbanks said.
Those in attendance for the celebration included Congressman John Dingell, D-Dearborn, and Rep. David Rutledge. Also present were members of the EMU Board of Regents, donors, faculty, administrators and students.
Rutledge praised EMU’s vision in funding the Science Complex, adding, “I could not be more proud of you. I hold [EMU] up as a shining example, a reminder that it’s always about the students.”
In a recent press release, Dingell said he sees the passion, optimism, energy and enthusiasm from administrators, faculty and students at EMU. He said the Science Complex contributes to the “growth and future” of the country.
The building was named after Mark Jefferson, who was chief cartographer of the American Delegation to the Paris Peace Conference in 1919.
Jefferson was also head of the geography department from 1901-1939 at EMU, which was named Michigan State Normal College at the time.
