Hastings College announced plans to construct a 52,600 square foot science center at 7th Street and Ash Avenue, site of the former A.H. Jones Football Stadium on the southeast edge of campus. Construction of the $10 million facility will begin this summer, with a projected spring 2009 completion date.

The Morrison-Reeves Science Center will provide classroom, laboratory and office space for the departments of biology, physics, chemistry and psychology. The center is named in honor of Hastings, Neb., resident Ken Morrison, trustee at Hastings College from 1981 to 1999, and Dr. Thomas Reeves, Denmark, S.C., president of Hastings College from 1985 to 1995.

The two-level structure, with a brick façade matching other Georgian-influenced buildings on campus, was designed by the Omaha-based architectural firm RDG Planning & Design. General contractor for the project will be Kiewit Construction, Inc., also of Omaha.  
 

“Completion of a new science center is the single most important challenge facing Hastings College,” said Dr. Phillip Dudley, president. “Our existing building has served the college well for half a century, but we are anxious to provide more spacious, up-to-date laboratories and classrooms for the growing number of students majoring in the sciences.”

The Morrison-Reeves Science Center will feature high-tech specialized laboratories, areas for student and faculty research, spacious classrooms, faculty offices and laboratory prep rooms. In addition, the building will include a greenhouse, animal suite, conference room and student lounge.

The science building will be constructed to meet national certification standards
for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System. This rating system is a nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

LEED-certified buildings have lower operating costs and increased asset value, are healthy and comfortable for occupants, reduce waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water, and reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Nearly 25 percent of Hastings College students declare a major in the sciences including biology, chemistry, physics or psychology. In addition, all students take at least one science course as part of the school’s Liberal Arts Program of required courses. 

Fundraising for the science facility is underway, with approximately 50 percent of the $10 million goal raised in cash and pledges. Last fall, the college received a $200,000 grant from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, Jacksonville, Fla.