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Ensuring Excellence Phase II
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Construction of the Munroe Science Center, funded at $12.5 million, will accomplish Phase I of Wesleyan’s comprehensive plan for the sciences. Phase II will continue to improve the Wesleyan experience for our students and for members of the community by providing additional laboratory, meeting, and learning spaces and the crucial science programming necessary to ensure the highest degree of excellence that is Wesleyan’s hallmark. Phase II encompasses three major objectives: (1) renovation of Taylor Hall, Wesleyan’s current science facility, as a functional and modern space for the departments of physics, mathematics, psychology, and education, (2) building Wesleyan’s endowment for its science programs, and (3) adding a community space to the Munroe Science Center.
Renovating Taylor Hall: Immediately upon the completion of the Munroe Science Center, we will follow with major renovation in Taylor Hall to house the Department of Education and the Center for Educational Renewal, slight renovation of the laboratories that will house the Physics Department, and refurbishment of classrooms for Mathematics and Psychology. Overall renovation will significantly improve the building’s HVAC, plumbing, electrical, structural, and mechanical systems. A few vital renovations to Taylor Hall were successfully completed several years ago, including the refurbishment of the popular and frequently used Peyton Anderson Amphitheatre. We plan to use that successful renovation as the model for revamping other areas of Taylor Hall.
Plans provide for the Department of Education and the Center for Educational Renewal to occupy the main floor of Taylor Hall. The new space for the Education Department will include three dedicated classrooms. Two classrooms will be outfitted with smart boards and installed with wireless computer capability. The third classroom will be set up as a model classroom with storage facilities to furnish the classroom appropriately to represent the different school levels: kindergarten, first grade, second through sixth grade, middle school, and high school, according to the class being taught. In addition, a dedicated science laboratory space will provide a teaching laboratory where education students can perform science experiments for selected grade levels. A large education resource space for library, media, and computer workstations exclusively for education students, especially non-resident students, will be constructed. Additionally, the Center for Educational Renewal will include a conference/seminar room, resource room, and office space. High-tech, efficient classrooms, adequate resource space, and the innovative Center for Educational Renewal will provide Wesleyan’s fine education faculty with the tools necessary to effectively instruct, mentor, and prepare Wesleyan’s students for careers as outstanding teachers. The cost of the Taylor Hall renovation is estimated to be about $4 million.
Endowment: Phase II of the Munroe Science Center project also includes the addition of an endowment for the entire facility’s operation, maintenance, and programming. Such an endowment will ensure that the building is maintained in first-class condition, with the latest equipment and technology, qualities that are essential for sustained excellence for women in the sciences. In addition, the endowment will enable Wesleyan to continue to expand its science programs, including the college’s outreach efforts to girls in grades K-12, many of whom need support and encouragement to develop their talents in science, math and technology. To that end, Wesleyan has established an interdisciplinary academic Center for Women in Science and Technology. The College seeks at least $5 million in the aggregate for its endowment of the innovative academic Center for Women in Science and Technology and the building’s maintenance and operation.
Rotunda Community Space: With the core aspects of the Munroe Science Center now funded and under construction, the College also envisions the addition of a multi-purpose, community component to the facility. Because the new building truly will be the heart of the campus, we propose to expand the Munroe Science Center to include a dramatic but highly functional space, designed as a rotunda, to provide a student/community gathering space on the first floor and a home for Wesleyan’s planned interdisciplinary outreach effort – the Center for Women in Science and Technology – on the second floor. The College seeks $2 million for the construction of the rotunda addition to the Munroe Science Center.
To achieve this vital funding to ensure the college’s continued excellence in science, math, and education, naming opportunities have been created and are available in both the Munroe Science Center and Taylor Hall. If you are interested in helping Wesleyan to enhance our high-quality learning environment by naming a room or space in one of these two buildings, please contact Debbie Smith, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at (478) 757-5187. |
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