New science building on go


Thursday, October 12, 2006
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Big news at Rust
• New science building on go

“It is the largest single building project in the recent history of the college,” according to Dr. David L. Beckley, president, Rust College.

In keeping with its mission to “complement Rust College’s efforts to provide education higher in quality than afforded through local, state, federal, church, tuition and grant support,” the college periodically launches a major effort to raise capital to support construction or expansion of campus facilities that are identified in the college’s Master Facilities Plan.

The centerpiece of Rust College’s National Development Campaign is the construction of a new 18,000 square feet science and mathematics annex adjacent to McDonald Hall which has served as the science and mathematics center since 1965. The contract to construct the complex was signed last Friday, October 6, by Dr. David Beckley.

“It will bring our science facility into a total complex,” said Dr. Beckley.

The annex will adjoin the existing science building where the college has invested almost $2 million in upgrades.

“Most importantly it will provide additional research and teaching space for our growing science division,” said Beckley.

The college’s strong tradition of excellence in the sciences, combined with the enormous influence of science on contemporary society form the foundation for the college’s efforts to strengthen and expand science learning. Designed for both science and mathematics majors and non- majors alike, Rust’s science and mathematics education program ensures the most well prepared scientists, mathematicians and literate citizens.

“The $2 million toward the science project was underestimated when it was started five years ago,” said Dr. Beckley. “Due to Hurricane Katrina the building cost has gone up at least 25 to 30 percent over the last three years.”

The annex will enable Rust to widen and deepen the educational foundation it provides for a wide variety of careers in research, medicine, teaching, industry, government, law, public policy and other fields.

With its strong track record in graduating scientists active in nearly every field of scientific enterprise, Rust is well positioned to provide an academically excellent science and mathematics education to increasing numbers of both traditional and underrepresented students while also addressing urgent workforce and community needs.

A relevant education for the 21st century demands that every student, no matter what his or her major, actively engage in science in the context of community and society. The annex will facilitate discovery-based, research-rich learning experiences in which students tackle real world problems that address most current moral, ethical and faith considerations.

Groundbreaking for the $4,740,000 science annex is scheduled for Sunday, 12 noon, November 12. Naming opportunities are available for family members as a memorial or an honorarium to a family member or loved one, to commemorate your graduating class at Rust, a gift from your church, corporation, business or other forms of philanthropic giving.

For more information on giving opportunities please contact Dr. Ishmell H. Edwards, vice president, 150 Rust Avenue, Holly Springs, MS. 38635, 662-252-8000, ext. 4012, e-mail: iedwards@rustcollege.edu.

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