HANNIBAL – Hannibal-LaGrange University held a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Carroll Science Center October 16, just under two years after breaking ground for the project.
The 40,000 square foot, 7 million dollar building houses a 58-seat computer lab/classroom, five science labs, two nursing skills labs, two nursing lab hospital rooms, a nursing library, nine multimedia classrooms, a spacious lobby, five student lounges, two conference rooms, two group study rooms, two individual study rooms, and 20 faculty offices.
Anthony Allen, HLGU President, welcomed everyone by saying, “What a joy it is today to gather together to celebrate the construction of the Carroll Science Center. Today is a day of special celebration, one that we’ve looked forward to for some time.
Those present for the dedication were also able to hear from representatives of the HLGU Science Department, the HLGU Nursing Division, Bleigh Construction and Klingner and Associates.
“This dedication is the culmination of a journey that was made possible by many of you here today, through your generous support and prayers,” said Anne Riggs, director of the division of nursing. “The Carroll Science Center represents the future of Hannibal-LaGrange University. The spacious classrooms, the testing center, the skills laboratory, provide us with opportunities to offer new and innovative programs that will advance the future of nursing and healthcare in our area for decades to come.”
Don Colborn, professor of biology, stated to those in attendance, “We’re here because of the providence of God, but also because of the generosity of those of you who are here today. Because you have a heart for Hannibal-LaGrange, because you believe in what we stand for, and because you want to see this university move forward into the 21st century.”
Following the ceremony, key personnel involved in the project moved outside for the official ribbon cutting, facilitated by the Hannibal Chamber of Commerce.
“Buildings like this come about because of the generosity of people,” said Allen. “Individuals who love Hannibal-LaGrange University and believe in what we’re doing have made this building a reality.”