Construction on the first phase of the University’s new science complex began Thursday morning with a groundbreaking ceremony and a multi-million dollar donation from the University’s largest academic donor.
Business Wire founder Lorry Lokey donated $10 million to the $76 million project, which will build two new science facilities on campus, the first major construction for the science departments since 1990.
The first phase of the project will be the construction of a $16 million underground research facility associated with Oregon Nanoscience and Microtechnologies Institute (ONAMI), located in the courtyard between Huestis Hall and Deschutes Hall. The 30,000 square-foot building will allow scientists and students from Oregon universities and ONAMI industry representatives to collaborate together.
Dave Chen, the chair of ONAMI’s board of directors, said once phase one is completed, it will hold $100 million of equipment and resources.
“I’m particularly interested in this project because of two buzzwords involved with this program,” Lokey said. “One is nanoscience, which this is about, and the other is stem-cell research, which this is also about.”
At the ceremony, attended by Gov. Ted Kulongoski and state Sen. Ryan Deckert, D-Beaverton, University President Dave Frohnmayer revealed that the research center for phase one will be named the Lorry I. Lokey Laboratories. About $3 million of Lokey’s contribution will go to construction costs of phase one, and $7 million will go to phase two of the project. The rest of the funds for the first phase so far include $9.5 million in lottery and general funds from the Oregon Legislature. The University hopes to raise $30 million for both phases from other sources.
Joe Stone, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said construction on phase one of the project will begin this summer and will be completed by 2007.
Phase two of the project is a $60 million, 100,000 square-foot
Integrative Science Building that will be located north of Deschutes Hall. It will house laboratories, classrooms and facilities for cognitive neuroscientists and physical, biological and
computer information scientists.
Construction on phase two is expected to begin in 2009.
Frohnmayer said the University already has many available science programs and research facilities, but the new facilities will provide new technology and opportunities for students and for people outside the University.
“We need to provide these facilities if we expect to keep researchers who have characterized these programs as well as to provide top education for students,” Frohnmayer said. “We are truly digging and building a world-class facility.”
Kulongoski said he intends to ask the state legislature to increase investment in Oregon groups like ONAMI because it will help bolster the state’s economy and create new jobs.
“Nanotechnology means hope,” Kulongoski said. “We will work hard to make that belief and hope a reality.”
ONAMI co-founder and University chemistry professor David Johnson said the access to new technology and equipment will enable researchers to continue their work and will provide opportunities for students to work with researchers and industry
representatives, giving them a better lead and more experience for the science industries after graduation.
Lokey has previously contributed $22 million to the University, including $12.5 million for the College of Education’s new complex and $4.5 million for the School of Journalism and
Communication’s Portland program.
“I think the University of Oregon, while at a high level already, is going to have a renaissance and go to a higher level, and I want to be a part of that,” Lokey said. “I want to see the University looked at as the crown jewel of the Northwest.”
His latest donation brings his total contributions to about
$32 million, the most in University history, Kulongoski said.
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