The official opening of the STEM Center took place on February 7, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by faculty, staff, and university administration. During the event, attendees gathered to dedicate the space with a prayer, asking for a special blessing on the area and its impact on students.
According to Lisa Anoble, Project Director of the Title III Part F Grant STEM Excellence, the creation of this space addresses a key need: "While there are other spaces on campus for studying, we wanted to create a place specifically for STEM students. They spend a lot of time in Scales, but there was no dedicated space for them to sit, study, or meet outside of class. This center is designed to fill that gap, offering a physical environment that supports both individual and collaborative learning."
While the STEM Center isn't designed for large events, it will serve as a hub for students, clubs, and professors to host business meetings and informal gatherings. "It's more than just a place to take a break between classes. It's a comfortable, functional space where students can collaborate, use STEM-related software, and study," Anoble added. Students will also be able to access specialized STEM programs on the center's computers, offering additional learning opportunities.
Whether students are studying, meeting with peers, or preparing for exams, the STEM Center will be an essential space for fostering collaboration, innovation, and success in the STEM fields.