Nearly $3 million in state funding slated for SIU Edwardsville's science laboratory facilities      

Critical projects will ease severe overcrowding and create additional state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories

[DEC. 7, 2005]  EDWARDSVILLE -- In a move that will further enhance Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's stature as a premier institution of higher learning, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced nearly $3 million in funding for the planning and design of a renovation of the current science building and construction of a new science building, which will help ease severe student overcrowding and act as important tools to attract and retain students and faculty.

The current facility, which was built in 1966, houses classrooms, instructional laboratories and research laboratories for the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, the Environmental Sciences program, and the Office of Science and Mathematics Education. The growth of programs in the sciences, nursing, pharmacy and engineering, along with the recognition of the importance of laboratory experiences for all students, has placed increasing demands on an aging facility and has limited the work and research that can be accomplished in the building.

"The new science laboratory building will have interactive learning opportunities, more instructional technology and computer access, greater lab experiences, and more student involvement in research," Blagojevich said. "This project means new, state-of-the-art facilities for SIUE, and it means our students will be able to develop the skills they need to get good-paying jobs."

Due to growing enrollment and program demand, laboratories have been used to teach students seven days a week in the existing building. Plans are for construction of a new laboratory building next to the existing building, as well as a renovation of the current facility, which will include a complete overhaul of the utility systems and bring the building into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and today's safety standards.

The new 80,000-square-foot lab building will accommodate offices, classrooms, and instructional and research laboratories. The core labs will be supported by a nearby cold room, warm room and environmental growth chambers. All labs will be fitted with state-of-the-art equipment.

Comments from officials

State Sen. William Haine, D-Alton: "Governor Blagojevich will continue making the kinds of investments that will create an educational environment where students, faculty and researchers can achieve things they didn't think were possible. The new science laboratory building will become another jewel on this campus."

State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville: "Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is one of our region's greatest assets. This important investment by the governor will not only significantly upgrade and enhance SIUE's science, research and teaching facilities, but it will make this noted institution even more attractive to both our students and faculty,"

SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift: "This is yet another example of Governor Blagojevich making important investments at SIUE that will help our campus continue to grow and prosper. This critical project will provide our faculty and students in the physical and life sciences with modern research facilities that will greatly enhance the quality of instruction and allow SIUE to be even more competitive in attracting first-class faculty."

Jan Grimes, acting executive director of the Capital Development Board: "Governor Blagojevich is keenly aware that a critical component to growing our economy is to graduate students who can compete with the best and the brightest. The science laboratory building will be a facility for the 21st century and beyond, and it will further solidify Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's sterling reputation."

About Opportunity Returns

Blagojevich's Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois' history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn't work, the governor has divided the state into 10 regions, each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges.

Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local work force, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.

[News release]

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