UM-Dearborn Building to Serve Growing STEM Field

DEARBORN, MI — The University of Michigan-Dearborn will officially open its Natural Sciences Building on Friday, Sept.9, following a four-year, $51 million renovation.

The renovation began in 2012 in response to increased student and industry demand in science-related fields and was supported by $30 million in capital outlay from the state of Michigan.

The former Science Building, constructed in 1959 and original to campus, was updated to provide proper facilities for research and teaching and to best prepare students for high-demand careers in the sciences.

Overall, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) jobs grew three times faster than non-STEM jobs from 2000-2010, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, and are expected to grow another 17 percent by 2018. UM-Dearborn’s Department of Natural Sciences has seen a 21 percent increase in class enrollment in recent years.

“I am confident that the new Natural Sciences Building not only will better serve our students in the near term, but also be a wise investment in the future of preparing students for the jobs and economy of tomorrow,” UM-Dearborn Chancellor Daniel Little said in a news release.

The renovation includes a 20,000-square-foot addition, as well as updated technology for teaching and research, nearly 40 research and teaching labs and student common areas study, recitation and interactive learning. The design and construction meet LEED Silver criteria.

Several dignitaries, including Gov. Rick Snyder, are expected to attend the 1:30 p.m. ribbon cutting ceremony at the building, located at 4901 Evergreen Road, Dearborn.

Other speakers include Little and Marty Hershock, dean of UM-Dearborn’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters.