WMU News

Facility signals new era in science instruction, research

April 23, 1999

KALAMAZOO-- Signaling the start of a new era in science instruction and research at Western Michigan University, the University dedicated its new science research facility, Diether H. Haenicke Hall, on April 23.

Named in honor of WMU's fifth president, the four-story, 94,800-square-foot Haenicke Hall features more than 60 state-of-the-art laboratories and two specialized teaching facilities that will support advanced research and teaching for the departments of biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences and psychology.

Haenicke Hall completes a $44.4 million, 3 1/2-year project to upgrade and expand the University's science instruction and research facilities. The renovation of Wood Hall, completed in 1998, was the first phase of the project. With the completion of Haenicke Hall, a "science quadrangle," consisting of Everett Tower and Haenicke, Wood and Rood halls, has been established on the western edge of WMU's West campus.

Designed to foster interdisciplinary research, Haenicke Hall houses specialized equipment and instrumentation that will be used in numerous fields including neuroscience, cell and molecular biology, chemical and environmental ecology, and geophysics.

Among the unique aspects of the building are the:

Pharmacia & Upjohn Imaging Center which features electron microscopes, light microscopes and advanced imaging equipment to be used in research and work with hospitals and with local and national industry;

A.M. Todd Company Molecular Spectroscopy Laboratory, which has instrumentation for
nuclear magnetic resonance, high pressure liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction that will allow scientists to analyze molecular structures of unknown compounds.

Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation Behavioral Pharmacology Research Laboratory, which will allow chemists and psychologists to study the effects of drugs on behavior; and

Stryker Corporation Cell Biology/Biochemistry Core Facility, which contains tissue culture laboratories and advanced equipment for cell and molecular biology research.

An airy, glass-encased bridge connects the building's two wings and creates an impressive new western gateway to the University's campus. Of the project's $44.4 million price tag, $38 million was provided by the State of Michigan, $1.4 million by the University and the remaining $5 million was raised through private and corporate donations. A number of the laboratories and facilities within the building are named for donors.

Among the speakers at the dedication ceremony were: Michigan Rep. Patricia L. Birkholz of Saugatuck, a WMU alumna; Joan H. Krause, chair of the WMU Board of Trustees; Dr. Elson S. Floyd, WMU president; Dr. Elise B. Jorgens, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. Diether H. Haenicke, WMU president emertius; James Baird, associate partner of Holabird & Root LLP, the building architect; and J. William Melsop, president and chief excecutive officer of the Austin Co., the building contractor.

During the dedication ceremony, a portrait of Haenicke that hangs in the new building was presented by Krause. The portrait is the work of artist Joseph Maniscalco of Orchard Lake, Mich.

Media contact: Marie Lee, 616 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu


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