(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Students study at the new Gary and Ann Crocker Science Center on Presidents Circle, at the University of Utah, Thursday, April 19, 2018.
The University of Utah dedicated its new Gary and Ann Crocker Science Center on Friday, launching a host of new facilities, classrooms and laboratories devoted to interdisciplinary science and math instruction.
Led by a $10 million donation from Gary and Ann Crocker, the U. has poured nearly $55 million in state and private funds into overhauling the 83-year-old George Thomas Building on its Salt Lake City campus’ Presidents Circle.
“This modern science hub is ready to serve new generations of students, faculty and staff at the University of Utah,” Henry S. White, dean of the College of Science, said in a written statement. “We are extremely grateful for Gary and Ann’s pioneering support for this building to become a world-class science education and research center on campus.”
School administrators — including new U. President Ruth Watkins — joined Utah Gov. Gary Herbert and other elected officials, faith leaders and other dignitaries Friday afternoon for a dedication ceremony and official opening of the research and education building.
(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Gary and Ann Crocker, at the opening of the new Gary and Ann Crocker Science Center on Presidents Circle on the University of Utah campus in Salt Lake City, Thursday, April 19, 2018.
In addition to a fully equipped, world-class biotechnology incubator, the newly renovated Crocker Science Center will house new classrooms, support areas and a host of research programs from the U.‘s College of Science.
It will also be home to the Henry Eyring Center for Cell and Genome Science and the U.’s Center for Science and Math Education.
The renovated building is part of a flurry of demolitions, construction and upgrades at Utah’s flagship university in recent years.
Improvements at the U. are planned, underway or newly completed at several major sites, including Orson Spencer Hall, renovation of Cleone Peterson Eccles Alumni House, improved pedestrian accessibility between Rice Eccles Stadium and the S.J. Quinney College of Law, construction of the Shoreline Ridge Garage, and a series of campuswide improvements to plumbing and other systems.