the
Jo u r n a l
Wester n Oregon Univer sity’s Weekly Student Newspaper Since 1923
Volume 14 Issue 1
w w w. w o u . e d u / s t u d e n t / w e s t e r n j o u r n a l
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
New DeVolder Science Building Open Allison Opson Clement | News Editor
Tori Gannon| Photo Editor
T
he new DeVolder Family Science Building opened for classes last week, Monday, Sept. 30 after a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday Sept. 24. The $9.7 million project broke ground 15 months ago. $7.2 million of that cost was statefunded, and $2.5 being raised by Western, said Tom Neal, Physical Plant Director. This includes a $2.3 million donation by Ron and Norma DeVolder along with the Lynn Roberts Ramsdell Trust. That made up the largestever single donation to Western; the building is so named for them. Its six new full labs will now support 25 percent of science classes for Western students, said Steve Taylor, Ph.D, Professor of Geology, at the ribbon cutting. This means a “complete replacement of the anatomy and physiology component” of Western’s science programs, Taylor said.
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OPINION
Welcome Incoming Class of 2017
The DeVolder Building has expanded academic resources and provided new accessibility, giving students an edge in the competitive fields of science, said Associated Students of Western Oregon University (ASWOU) President Travis Meuwissen. At the ribbon cutting, Taylor read an email with President Mark Weiss from late March, 2011, asking for a report on the need for science labs. Taylor said this was the beginning of the process that has led to the DeVolder building, now two and a half years later. Western President Mark Weiss said he marked the beginning as a 2011 legislation meeting that discussed potential funding. What is so much appreciated, Weiss told the DeVolders at the opening, is their giving back for future generations. “We can all be proud of it,” Weiss said of the
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ENTERTAINMENT
An Evening With Gypsies
building’s completion and opening. “It’s a truly special community, and I don’t say that lightly,” said Dr. Melody Rose, Interim Chancellor for OUS. “They are deeply committed to learning,” Rose said of those whose efforts supported the building’s construction, and who have supported Western. The DeVolders “are clearly dedicated members of this community, and have been for a while,” she said, thanking them for “making a beautiful place where learning happens.” Western student Abigail Oswald said that the building is really nice, and that as a first-year student, she is excited to get to have classes here. “Through these doors will pass individuals who will build tomorrow,” said DeVolder. Most of those people aren’t even born yet, he said, but those who are going to educate those people are already here. “Everybody we need is here.”
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SPORTS
Wolves Storm Back, Azusa Escapes with Win
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