University campuses are places of intellectual pursuit, and now a more cross-educational conversation will be taking place at the California State University, Stanislaus campus as the newly renovated Science 1 Building is playing host to a unique assortment of areas of study including mathematics, philosophy, modern languages and the School of Nursing.
“We’ve got an interesting marriage of the sciences and the humanities in this building,” said CSUS President Joseph Sheley at the grand reopening on Wednesday. “We’re trying to smooth the edges, blur them a bit and I think that’s a good thing.”
The grand reopening of the Science 1 Building marks a new chapter for students as the once dark and gloomy building has undergone a complete remodel that now boasts skylights, additional windows and solar panels to provide enough energy to run the building — excluding heating, air conditioning and ventilation. With eight new classrooms, an open computer lab, study rooms with floor to ceiling whiteboard walls for collaborative work and a cutting-edge simulation lab for nursing students, the Science 1 Building offers students and faculty numerous tools integral to academic success.
“All of the classrooms have computers, document cameras and sliding whiteboards. You can actually face your audience, read them and discuss with them,” said Tom Abram, chair of the Mathematics Department. “This building is very student-friendly and that is why we’re here—for the students.”
The two year seismic retrofitting renovation project cost $18 million, funded by the state through the sale of lease-revenue bonds, and was completed on time and within budget through the collaboration between Acme Construction of Modesto, Suarez-Kuehne Architecture of San Francisco and Van Pelt Construction Management of Fairfield.
“All of the team members worked closely with the university to create a state-of-the-art teaching and learning environment that adheres to CSU Stanislaus’ commitment to sustainability while complying with all current building codes,” said Melody Maffei, associate vice president for Capital Planning and Facilities Management.
Representatives from each company were present at the grand reopening along with Congressman Jeff Denham and representatives from Senator Anthony Canella’s office and state Assembly members Kristin Olson and Adam Gray’s offices.
“From an overall Valley perspective, this expansion will help to serve the needs of our area. It is an exciting time for our students and an exciting thing for our community,” said Denham.
