UWSP to mark opening of new chem bio building with tours, more

STEVENS POINT — The community is invited to the grand opening of the new chemistry biology building at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Sept. 14.

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. on the outside of south end of the building along Stanley Street. Building tours will follow from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The event is free.

The 176,500-square-foot facility features 58 research and teaching laboratories with science-on-display, two lecture halls, seven classrooms, a green roof, tropical conservatory (opening later this fall) and café, according to a UWSP news release. It is the first major free-standing academic building built on the UW-Stevens Point campus in 40 years.

Construction of the $75.1 million project began in April 2016.

Classes were first held in the new building on Tuesday, Sept. 4. Students and faculty are excited about the natural light, space for teaching and collaborating on each floor and new state-of-the-art equipment, including a variety of specialty microscopes, said Karin Bodensteiner, Biology department chairwoman, in the news release.

The building is equipped with instruments used in diagnostic and research labs where students may work some day, said Jason D’Acchioli, Chemistry department chairman in the release. “But what makes the building special are the people inside of it, training the next generation of scientists. We’re truly excited to work one-on-one with our students and to explore the fascinating nature of matter with them,” he said.

Renowned physicist Brian Greene will open the celebration with a presentation Thursday evening. The professor at Columbia University, will present “Science Matters: Inspiring Creativity and Discovery” at 7:30 p.m.  All complimentary tickets for the event at Michelsen Hall have been claimed, but his presentation will be live streamed in the Jenkins Theater, Noel Fine Arts Center. Seating is first come, first served. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

All campus parking lots will be open to the public at no charge for these events. Find a campus map at www.uwsp.edu/Parking/Documents/UWSPMap-9-22-16.pdf.

Photo courtesy UWSP. Caption: The new chemistry biology building at UW-Stevens Point features classrooms with state-of-the-art equipment and instruments, including moveable ventilation hoods.