UW-Whitewater seeking $1 million for cutting-edge science equipment
Released: November 11, 2003
The renovated and expanded Upham Hall on the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater campus is anticipated to be a first-class science education facility when completed in 2006. Nevertheless, a structure dedicated to research and learning can be no greater than the equipment that fills its laboratories and classrooms.
That's why a $1 million fund drive for cutting-edge science equipment has been launched this fall by the College of Letters and Sciences.
Upham Hall will provide a central home for four science departments as well as upgraded classrooms and labs for general education courses and more than 50 majors. The departments of physics, chemistry, biology and geography/geology need to replace obsolete equipment and purchase technologically advanced tools for research, teaching and class projects.
"Those who support this important project will be leaving a lasting mark upon the landscape of UW-Whitewater and the future of Wisconsin," said Chancellor Jack Miller.
Every UW-Whitewater student must pass through Upham Hall to meet the university's core requirements. In addition, industrial scientists and pre-professionals, including the pharmacy, medical, chiropractic and dental professions, are being trained in Upham Hall. With new equipment, students will be able to perform sophisticated research alongside faculty. Biological sciences professor Bruce Eshelman observed that science majors often indicate their most valuable experience was undergraduate research.
"The Upham Hall experience distinguishes our students from other institutions. Research skills are one of the most significant and desirable qualities graduate schools and employers seek," says Eshelman. "With the addition of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, our student/faculty teams' scientific exploration will advance the UW-Whitewater reputation even further."
Just as the campus is settling into use of the $12 million Upham addition, architects are making design tweaks on the $16.5 million Phase II renovation. The university received final approval by the State Building Commission in September. Once completed the renovation will transform an obsolete 40-year-old building into a sleek science center with wired modern research laboratories and more than 34,000 square feet in new space.
- N & P Staff,npa@uww.edu
