A small group was on hand at the future site of the building, including local reporters. Despite the morning rains, the weather for the event was almost too perfect, and left us squinting in the Nebraska sunshine.
Kent Thompson, a board member and chair of the campaign, emceed the event.
For many Union employees, this is not just a beginning, but the culmination of years of behind-the-scenes work.
Tom Lemon, president of the Mid-America Union and chairmen of Union's board of trustees, spoke about Union's impact both here in the Midwest and world wide.
Dr. Smith was on hand to share part of the history of the campaign. He's been instrumental in planning and fundraising in the years leading up to this announcement.
Approximately 85 percent of faculty and staff have already given their financial support to the campaign, and we're proud to see this leap forward for Union.
The state senator representing district 29, Tony Fulton, shared how thankful he is for what Union College brings to his district, both as a representative and as a resident.
Chris Beutler, mayor of Lincoln, congratulated Union College on this campaign, and spoke about the important contributions we make to our community
Malcolm Russell, vice president for Academic Administration.
The Advancement staff have worked tirelessly to make this launch successful.
Carrie Wolfe, chair of the Division of Science and Mathematics, is one of the teachers who will be empowered to help students reach their full potential in the new facility.
The science and math faculty members are pretty excited about their future home.
Despite being in the summer, a few students were on hand for the announcement. In addition to science and math majors, the facility will greatly benefit students studying nursing, physician assistant studies, and international rescue and relief, three of Union's largest programs.
Frankie Rose, professor of biology and an alumnus himself, speaks to the campaign chair, Kent Thompson. To hear what Dr. Rose has to say about the importance of the campaign, visit http://www.ucollege.edu/news/2011/06/13/video-frankie-rose-our-promising-future
Many alumni and board members joined the employees in giving early, helping us reach more than two-thirds of our goal before launching the public phase of the campaign.
After years of planning and preparation, Dr. Smith shares Union's vision for this facility with the public.
A local reporter interviews Kent Thompson.
Jerome Lang, one of our dedicated board members, speaks with Lowell Hagele, a professor emeritus of mathematics.
David Smith, president of the college, does a radio interview. To hear what he has to say about the Our Promising Future campaign, go to http://www.ucollege.edu/news/2011/06/12/video-david-smith-our-promising-future
Senator Fulton, President Smith and Mayor Beutler.
Some of the faculty and staff from the Division of Science and Mathematics. Someday their offices, labs and classrooms will be where they're standing now.
Dr. Smith and Senator Fulton joke after the event.
