President William Craft gave opening remarks of thanks and praise for all the people who spent years planning the renovations of the Ivers and Jones buildings. He also noted the great importance of those who helped fund the project and people who executed the plan.
“Thank you for your vision, insight and generosity,” Craft said.
Biology professor and project shepherd Dr. Ellen Aho noted how the $45 million project stretched many beyond their comfort zone for the better. From entertaining new ways of teaching and doing research to rethinking how the two buildings could be more seamless stretched everyone from architects to faculty and even the highest governing board for the college.
“The Board of Regents had to take a leap to agree to the largest capital project in the college’s history,” Aho said. “I’m sure that stretched a few of them beyond their comfort zone.”
Aho noted how she believed the new bright spaces and glass-paneled walls would illuminate the teaching and student-faculty research in the building. She was surprised what else became a focal point.
“I’ve learned what’s really visible is students working and learning,” Aho said. “What’s been most delightful to me is having students take ownership of this space.”
Aho marveled how the students fill every study space available many days and use the classrooms when they aren’t being used for class.
Biology major David Supinski ’19 attested to how much students are enjoying the building and thanked the donors assembled for making the project happen.
“On behalf of my fellow students, we do not take your generosity for granted,” Supinski said.
Norman Jones ’53 and Lois (Ivers) Altenburg ’59 spoke on behalf of the Jones and Ivers families – the buildings’ namesakes. They participated with college administrators and faculty in a ceremonial ribbon cutting after the Rev. Elizabeth McHan formally dedicated the building.
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