GSC science hall updates complete

NASA grant vital in renovation

From Staff Reports
GLENVILLE — The science hall at Glenville State College reopened for the spring 2008 semester. The building had been closed since the end of the spring semester in 2006 for renovations. Built in 1941, the GSC Science Hall, has had a couple of additions and some minor renovations over the years. Now the building has been completely rebuilt with the exception of the exterior walls. The science hall reopened right on schedule to rave reviews.

The renovation cost $9.2 million. Five million dollars of that was allocated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. The project also received a small grant from HUD. The balance of just over $4 million is being financed through revenue bonds to be paid off over the next 30 years from student fees.

City Windows of Clarksburg was the contractor for the renovations. Burt Hill Architects of Pennsylvania was the designers. Both worked closely with the GSC faculty to create a state-of-the-art facility.

Joe Evans, professor of physical science, who has been at GSC since 1970, says this is the first time in his tenure the school has had fully functional science labs. “This is fabulous! We now have labs that will certainly open up the recruitment of students. Before now, some high schools in the state had better facilities than we did. The contractor and architect did a remarkable job,” said Evans.

His son, Kevin Evans, associate professor of chemistry agrees. “We can now do more in our labs than ever before, which will greatly increase the quality of the education our students receive. Glenville State College now has the best undergraduate chemistry labs in the state,” said Evans.

Junior biology major Christine DiSabato of Westerville, Ohio, said, “I wish the science hall had been like this for all four of my years at GSC, but it will be great to enjoy for my last three semesters. It makes you want to go to class. It is a wonderful atmosphere for learning.”

While the science hall was undergoing renovations, the math and science department was moved to Clark Hall. The limited facilities meant that labs had to be very basic with no frills. Much of the equipment was stored in Louis Bennett Hall and had to be moved back and forth as needed.

“GSC now has 21st century labs that means we can now do things we used to just talk about,” said Theresa Cowan, assistant professor of nursing and chair of the GSC Science and Math Department.

“The faculty and students have been overwhelmed at the technology in the building. This facility will make us better teachers and students, and help put research back into the GSC curriculum,” said Cowen. Much of the new technology and instrumentation in the building was made possible by the NASA grant.

An open house to officially dedicate the reopening of the science hall will be held later this semester. But don’t wait, take a few minutes and walk through this amazing new facility. The renovations will certainly take Glenville State College a few steps closer to a goal of becoming the best small Liberal Arts College in America.