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Science Learning Center Gains Momentum

Science Learning Center Gains Momentum

Taylor University officials have reached the 60% mark in the fund-raising effort to build a Science Learning Center on the Taylor campus. Taylor President Eugene B. Habecker '68 announced on March 13 that $22 million - 60% of the $36 million needed to break ground - has been either raised or identified.

The Science Learning Center fund-raising and construction project will be the largest in Taylor's history. When completed, the facility will be a 137,441 square-foot structure consisting of 34 classrooms and laboratories with 39 faculty offices, and will be attached to the existing Nussbaum Science Center via a four-story atrium. The project also calls for refurbishment work in the 53,205 square-foot Nussbaum Science Center, resulting in a 190,646 square-foot complex.

Based upon several "green" features incorporated into its design that include a wind turbine, solar cells, geothermal heating and cooling system, and motion-based lighting, planners believe the Science Learning Center will earn Silver certification by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating SystemTM.

Nearly one of every five Taylor University undergraduate students is majoring in Taylor's School of Natural and Applied Sciences. Additionally, every Taylor undergraduate student is required to take at least two science courses within the liberal arts curriculum. Thirty-one of the 33 science faculty members hold doctoral degrees in their respective disciplines.

"We believe that our science program is a leader among Christian colleges throughout the world," said Habecker. "The graduates of our School of Natural and Applied Sciences serve God and humankind in various professional fields including medicine, industry and education. In addition, many of our science alumni go on to study in some of our nation's most prestigious graduate and professional programs. This new facility will provide our outstanding students, world-class faculty and excellent programs with a mission-critical tool that will allow them to thrive."

"In these uncertain economic times, we are especially encouraged to report on this progress," said Dr. Ben R. Sells, vice president for University Advancement, who added the total funds available for the project had jumped from $5 million to $22 million in the past six months. "It reflects the Lord's blessing, generous people who believe in Taylor, and our outstanding faculty and students."