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UH set to break ground on new science center today

Cougar News Services

When UH breaks ground on the $51 million Science and Engineering Research and Classroom Complex today, it will have plenty of VIPs on hand to make way for the future of science research in Houston.

First among them will be a part of the past: Jack Battle, the University's first chemistry graduate, who finished in 1937. Battle, 90, still lives in Houston. He retired in 1978 after a 44-year career with Exxon.

Also on hand will be Cesar Pelli, the renowned architect who designed the complex. Pelli's other designs include the St. Luke's Medical Tower in Houston and the Petronas Towers in Malaysia, formerly the tallest buildings in the world.

The Argentine-born Pelli is the recipient of a Gold Medal from the American Institute of Architects and has been named one of the 10 most influential living American architects.

Also at the groundbreaking will be Fred Clarke, a former UH faculty member and one of the project's leaders.

The total cost for the complex will run to $76 million once $25 million worth of materials to equip the 40 labs and the "clean room" planned for the center.

The building was designed to encourage collaboration between various disciplines.

"The endless potential SERCC will bring to UH will not only open doors on campus between science and engineering, but also will erase lines between universities and other like-minded institutions," said B. Montgomery Pettitt, the Cullen Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and associate dean of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

"This couldn't be a better time for science and engineering," Pettitt said. "With the capabilities to be offered in this building, we are on the cusp of an interface among research areas and disciplines where we will see magnificent discoveries."

The complex also boasts several high-capacity classrooms and a large teaching theater.

"These classrooms will enable UH faculty to provide growing numbers of students from every discipline with technology-enhanced instruction," Elaine Charlson, associate vice president for academic and faculty affairs, said. "The auditorium and 11 classrooms, together accommodating more than 1,700 students during each teaching hour, will address the desire of faculty and students to teach and learn within engaging innovative space."

The $76 million will be paid through a combination of tuition revenue bonds secured through legislative action in 2001, $15 million from research grants for the new facility and $10 million in private funds to be raised during the construction of the building.
 

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