BILLINGS- MSUB has raised enough money to build a new science building.
University officials announced Monday they had received a $500,000 donation for a new science building from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, which completes a five-year effort to raise $15 million for the new building.
This latest donation put the MSU Billings Foundation at its goal of $5 million required by the Montana Legislature to release another $10 million from the state. A ground-breaking is scheduled for Sept. 12.
According to an MSUB press release, the Foundation was tasked in 2013 with raising $5 million for an expanded and renovated building that will house both the sciences and allied health programs when complete. These funds were required by the Legislature as a condition of a $10 million appropriation. The $15 million will be used to update the current science building, originally built in 1947.
“We are looking forward to celebrating this new chapter for MSU Billings, and the start of a new era in education for our future science and allied health leaders. This final push was made possible thanks to the efforts of Commissioner Clayton Christian, the Montana University System, MSU President Waded Cruzado, our legislators, our donors, and the hard work of the MSUB Foundation,” MSU Billings Chancellor Dan Edelman said. “Construction on the new science building will begin this spring, and we will finally be able to offer our science and allied health students state-of-the-art facilities that match the quality education offered at MSU Billings. Thank you to our supportive, welcoming community, the many university staff and faculty, and all of the other people who contributed to helping us reach this significant goal.”
MSU Billings will host a ceremonial groundbreaking as part of the Board of Regents proceedings on campus next month. The public is invited to celebrate on at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at in the current science building parking lot at 1500 University Dr. Representatives from the university, Legislature, and major donors will be among those breaking ground during the ceremony.
Fundraising will continue to account for building-cost inflation, and bricks are still available for purchase through the ceremonial groundbreaking event. A 4-inch-by-8-inch brick is $250, and 8-inch-by-8-inch bricks are $500.
Personalized and engraved bricks will be laid into a walkway near the completed building.
