“The federal grants will allow this project to get off the ground in a way it could not have done otherwise,” remarks Jeanne Sullivan, department chair of biology and environmental science and co-chair of the planning committee working on the building project. The committee was formed in 1998 as it became apparent the facilities in Christopher Hall of Science no longer adequately supported the instructional and laboratory programs. Sullivan continues, “The first grant of $2.7 million helped us replace an aging boiler/cooler system, and permitted us to begin working with architects in the early planning stages. The second grant of $4 million will help us take the next steps. We are very grateful to Senator Byrd for his assistance in obtaining the two grants.”

The planning process focuses on the redesign and expansion of the science facility and teaching space, and the creation of space for student-faculty research and student interaction. Sullivan explains, “Our primary goals are focused on how we want to teach our classes and how we plan to collaborate with our students on research projects. The best way for undergraduates to learn science is to do science, and that involves research, generally in collaboration with a faculty member. Our current classrooms and labs were not designed for contemporary teaching styles and research.”

In preparation for the renovation and expansion, the committee attended two conferences with the College’s architects. “Basically, we had to define how we wanted to use the new space,” states Sullivan. “We had a representative from each department in the sciences, and we met and developed a strategic plan for the sciences at Wesleyan. Then, we refined our plans and continued to meet with the architects about various building options. Our job now is to be even more specific in our planning. Each department must take a hard look at what we asked for and what we need. Hopefully, by late January or early February, the architects will be able to deliver two or three primary drawings of a final project.”

Even with the grants of federal support, more capital is needed to complete the construction project. “With the primary drawings, we can clearly say to prospective donors, ‘This is what we want to accomplish and why.’ Wesleyan has always been about doing the best for its students. And to continue to do the best for our students, we really need to have the additions and renovations. Over the years, alumni and other friends of the College have been generous in their support for science education at Wesleyan. We are grateful for that assistance and hope that it will continue as we move ahead in important new facility and program directions.”