Groundbreaking for New Academic BuildingApril 16, 2010 at 3:30–4 p.m.

Gustavus Adolphus College will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at the future site of a new state-of-the-art 125,000 square foot academic building just west of Christ Chapel at 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 16.

Gustavus President Jack R. Ohle, members of the College's Board of Trustees, members of the Gustavus Association of Congregations, as well as alumni, students, faculty, and staff will all be on hand for the public ceremony. Construction will begin on the building this spring and it is expected that it will be ready to serve Gustavus students and faculty by September 2011.

"Academic excellence is at the heart of everything we do at Gustavus, esaid Gustavus President Jack R. Ohle. "The construction of this new building on campus will enhance student learning for decades to come. e/p>

The new academic building is a component of $44 million in capital projects approved by the College's Board of Trustees in January to move forward with three major building projects. Also included in the plan is the development of a west mall extending from Christ Chapel and a major renovation of the Anderson Social Science Building.

The academic departments that will be housed in the new academic building include Communication Studies, Economics and Management, History, Psychology, and Sociology and Anthropology.

The College intends to have the new academic building achieve at least Gold LEED Certification. The LEED green building certification program encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through a suite of rating systems that recognize projects that implement strategies for better environmental and health performance.

If you have questions or need more information about the groundbreaking ceremony or the new academic building, contact Assistant to the President for Special Projects Barb Larson Taylor at blarson2@gustavus.edu.