Community Shows Support at Dedication of Science Hall

By any account, Science Hall is an impressive building: architecturally, structurally, height, function, size. But perhaps its most important attribute is its purpose for our students and faculty.

Photo: Dr. G welcomes the guests to the dedication.

Last evening, Dr. Goeppinger dedicated the building to serve the mission of Midwestern University: meeting the healthcare needs of our society. She spoke of the commitment of our students and our faculty to learning and teaching, and dedicated it to them as well. And while a building is sometimes just a building, this particular building houses the heart and soul of our campus--the basic science faculty who teach in each of our colleges; the research laboratories where our faculty and students advance our learning in science and medicine; our practice laboratories where students practice the art of their future professions; and the classrooms where our students participate in workshops, take exams, and meet with faculty members.

Photo: Guests gather outside Science Hall before the dedication.

Special guests at the dedication included Mr. Steven Chanen, President of Chanen Construction, who spoke about the advances in technology and the important role of the new facility to our students. Joined by his father, Mr. Herman Chanen, they have built several buildings on our Downers Grove Campus and our entire Glendale Campus. They are the very definition of "supportive partners" with Midwestern University.

Local elected officials also came out in force to show their support of the University and the economic development evident in our campus and in our plans for continued growth. Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-6) spoke about how the University is a great example of a strong team led by an amazing leader in Dr. G. State Senator Ron Sandack and Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully also talked about the important partnership between the community and the University.

Photo: MWU Board Chairman William Andrews, Rep. Peter Roskam, MWU EVP & COO Arthur Dobbelaere, Ph.D., MWU President Katheeln H. Goeppinger, Ph.D., and Downers Grove Mayor Martin Tully.

The guests at the dedication also reflected the many people impacted by the new building: the faculty and staff, our alumni, our neighbors, and local business leaders. All of us at MWU appreciated the support from the community and were very proud to show off our campus and this great new facility.

Following the program, each guest was invited to take a tour of the building led by student ambassadors and tour guides. Special demonstrations were given of the OMM lab, the dental simulation lab, the testing center, a faculty research lab, and even a visit to the anatomy lab.

Photo: The tour group watches an OMM demonstration in the practice lab.

Success is often the result of committed partners working together to achieve a common goal. Last evening, Midwestern University recognized our many partners who made this beautiful new building a reality and celebrated the many ways that it will help us achieve our mission of training the next generation of the healthcare team. It was a proud evening to be sure.