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Transformation: Schoo Science Center Opens
A renovated Schoo Hall, now the Schoo Science Center, opened in January to students. The renovation is a part of Leadership for the 21st Century: The Campaign for Springfield College.
“This impressive transformation is creating a functional, centralized learning facility that effectively supports undergraduate science education,” said Dr. Richard B. Flynn, the College’s president.
Springfield College's science programs have a reputation for excellence, both in placing applicants in medical, dental, and veterinary schools, as well as in the rate of graduation from these schools. Over 95 percent of the College’s pre-med students applying to medical or dental school are accepted by their school of choice, and 100 percent of these students successfully complete their medical studies.
Approximately 85 percent of the College's students require science courses to fulfill their major and minor. With the renovated Schoo Science Center, those pursuing a major in the sciences will have far more academic opportunities available to them as well as opportunities for a high level of interaction with each other and with faculty members.
The revitalized space began its renovation in May 2006. The design of the new facility follows guidelines of the National Science Foundation's Project Kaleidoscope, which showed that effective undergraduate programs foster hands-on investigative learning.
According to Jean A. Wyld, "This science center, with all of our science teaching and support functions in one space, will allow us to foster the interdisciplinary learning essential for tomorrow's scientific careers."
The new facility offers: renovated laboratories for general physics, physical science, physics for movement science, computer science, anatomy and physiology, bioscience biology concepts, human structure and function, genetics, cell biology, microbiology, organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, general chemistry, chemistry survey, and advanced biology research. Also available are two computer classrooms to support courses in the sciences; two new department offices for the biology/chemistry and the math/physics and computer science departments; twenty-one faculty offices; research, instrument, and preparation space for the labs, a common stockroom, animal care, and hazardous waste facility; and a new atrium addition which includes an elevator.
Said Dr. Flynn, “Students now have the tools to explore, model, simulate and use data for research and access technology for media and network connection into all teaching and learning spaces to allow for constant evolution in how these technologies are used.”
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 19, 2006 -- The earth moved at Springfield College today as Springfield College’s President Richard B. Flynn and Chair of the Board of Trustees James E. Walsh turned the first shovel for the major renovation and expansion of Schoo Hall into a state-of-the-art science teaching facility.
The cutting-edge interior design of the new facility follows guidelines of the National Science Foundation’s Project Kaleidoscope, which showed that effective undergraduate programs foster hands-on investigative learning. The building is designed to facilitate interaction among students and faculty, laboratory experience, and student research. Faculty members also will conduct research, often involving students, in the building.
In announcing the renovation, Springfield College President Richard B. Flynn said, “Preparing students for the science careers of tomorrow demands that we constantly advance our learning environment to stimulate student and faculty exploration and discovery, and equip our facilities with the latest technology. This science center will help us remain on the cutting edge in educating tomorrow’s leaders in the sciences and related fields.”
The $5 million science center is scheduled for completion in early 2007. It will house programs in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science. Plans include laboratories for advanced and introductory science courses, instrumentation rooms, research space for student and faculty projects, a hazardous chemicals waste area, a chemical and equipment stockroom, preparation areas, computer classrooms, faculty offices, and an atrium lounge.
According to Jean A. Wyld, Springfield College vice president for academic affairs, “This science center, with all of our science teaching and support functions in one space, will allow us to foster the interdisciplinary learning essential for tomorrow’s scientific careers. Modern science is increasingly collaborative with scientists in different disciplines working together as teams. With the range of programs that we offer, Springfield College is well situated to offer this collaborative preparation.”
During demolition and construction, the college has relocated classrooms, laboratories, and faculty offices to other areas of the campus.
More than 85 percent of Springfield College’s 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students take science courses as a requirement of their academic major or minor areas of study. Such students are preparing for careers as medical professionals, physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists, athletic trainers, biologists, environmental scientists, science teachers, physical educators, and more.
Enrollment in Springfield College’s health and life sciences is growing. In 2005, the college received state approval to offer a doctoral program in physical therapy. It also established the School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies to structure and expand its longstanding undergraduate and graduate programs in the health sciences. Since 2002, the college also has formed agreements with several medical schools which guarantee acceptance of qualified Springfield College graduates. More than 95 percent of Springfield College students who apply to medical or dental school have been accepted by their schools and all of them have completed medical studies.
Springfield College opened Schoo Hall in 1963 as the Clarence and Grace Schoo Friendship Hall. The Schoos donated funds toward construction of the building, which matched gifts from the Kresge Foundation and Springfield College alumni, trustees, corporations, foundations and friends. The building has housed classrooms for many programs, offices, and science laboratories.
The Schoo Hall renovation is the first campus building project funded through the college’s current $40 million campaign, “Leadership for the 21st Century.” The college announced the campaign last year and has raised almost $23 million. In addition to renovating Schoo Hall, the college plans to construct a new campus union, field house, and wellness center. The campaign also will support additions and improvements to academic programs and a range of current and future needs.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Dec. 14, 2005 -- Springfield College has received a gift of $150,000 from the George I. Alden Trust toward the renovation and expansion of Schoo Hall into a state-of-the-art science teaching facility.
In announcing the new funding, Springfield College President Richard B. Flynn said, “Preparing students for the science careers of tomorrow demands that we constantly advance our learning environment to stimulate student and faculty exploration and discovery, and equip our facilities with the latest technology. We are grateful to the George I. Alden Trust for this gift that will help us to remain on the cutting edge in educating tomorrow’s leaders in science-related fields.”
The gift will support construction of a new science laboratory/classroom suite as part of the complete renovation and expansion of Schoo Hall. More than 85 percent of Springfield College’s 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students take courses in the sciences as a requirement of their academic major or minor areas of study. Such students are preparing for careers as physicians, physician assistants, physical and occupational therapists, athletic trainers, biologists, environmental scientists, science educators, physical educators, and more. The project is targeted for completion in early 2007.
Enrollment in Springfield College’s health and life sciences programs is growing. Earlier this year, the college received state approval to offer a doctoral program in physical therapy. It also established the School of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies to structure and expand its longstanding undergraduate and graduate programs in the health sciences. Since 2002, the college also has formed agreements with several medical schools which guarantee early acceptance of qualified Springfield College graduates.
Renovation plans for Schoo Hall will follow guidelines of the National Science Foundation’s Project Kaleidoscope, which identified characteristics of effective undergraduate programs. The building will facilitate hands-on, investigative learning that makes science personally meaningful by connecting it to students’ personal experiences and other fields of learning. Faculty members will conduct research, often involving students, in the building.
Funding for the Schoo Hall renovation is one objective of Springfield College’s current $40 million campaign, “Leadership for the 21st Century.” The college announced the campaign earlier this year and has raised more than $21 million. In addition to renovating Schoo Hall, the college plans to construct a new campus union, field house, and wellness center. The campaign also will support additions and improvements to academic programs and a range of current and future needs.
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