Camarillo, Calif., September 5, 2003 - California State University Channel Islands officially opened the first new building on its campus today, a 32,000 square-foot science facility that will provide students and faculty with the latest in teaching and research technology. Over 200 students, faculty, staff, and community leaders joined together at the entrance of the stunning new $12 million facility for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Designed by Bobrow/Thomas and Associates of Los Angeles, the two-story Science Building both embraces 21st century technology and retains the charm of the campus' striking 1930s Spanish revival architecture. Nearly 200 students can be accommodated by its eight science laboratories, which are specially fitted for the comprehensive study of biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, bioinformatics, and other related disciplines. A 110-seat auditorium has every amenity for lectures, presentations, and special events. New and existing science faculty will be housed in sixteen offices and have access to two large conference rooms.
Funded by state bonds, the facility was constructed in only eleven months. It is the first component of a science annex that will consist of a number of facilities relating to the study of science and technology.
"With this new state-of-the-art facility, our students will graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed anywhere in today's global marketplace," comments University President Richard R. Rush. "This new building is a showcase for the teaching and research activities that are at the center of our educational mission and will set the standard for the many campus developments to come."
Speaking at the opening ceremony were President Rush, CSU Board of Trustees Chair Debra S. Farar, Vice President of Research and Development for BioSource International Kevin J. Reagan, Professor of Immunology and Biology Ching-Hua Wang, and CSUCI science student Dev Chahil. During the ceremony, Vice President and CFO for Rockwell Scientific Company Wayne Davey presented two $1,000 Business and Technology Partnership Scholarships to CSUCI students Brandon Dooley and Dev Chahil.
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.