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BGSU Firelands Kicks Off Allied Health & Sciences Project with Ground Breaking
September 25, 2014 | Leave a Comment
Huron, Ohio – Bowling Green State University Firelands College will celebrate the start of the $15.75 million Allied Health & Sciences Project with a ground breaking ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
The event marks the beginning of the construction phase of a project which began in 2010 when BGSU Trustees approved a 25-year campus master plan for the Huron-based BGSU Firelands campus. The master plan recognized the need for additional academic and student space.
The Allied Health & Sciences Project will fulfill immediate campus and student needs and accommodate the near-term growth of the college. It also represents a commitment on behalf of BGSU to satisfy the growing need for the education of healthcare professionals in the community.
Nationally and locally, health care is among the fastest growing and most popular occupational sectors. Twelve of the 20 fastest growing occupations nationwide are health care vocations; by 2022, the health care industry is expected to generate 4 million new jobs – more than any other industry.
The Allied Health & Sciences Project will include a 12,700 square foot two-story addition to the current North Building which will provide critically needed laboratory spaces in the natural and physical sciences. It will expand upper division course offerings that support Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, and act as a catalyst for new bachelor’s degree programs.
The Project will also include 35,000 square feet of renovations to the North and West buildings. The renovations are essential for expanding health-related offerings for students and increasing the number of well-trained healthcare professionals in the community.
The newly remodeled LEED-certified facilities will accommodate high-demand degree programs in nursing and allied health careers including radiologic technology, respiratory care, diagnostic medical sonography, and health information technology, as well as supporting critical courses in the basic sciences.
Contractor bids for the Allied Health & Sciences Project are currently being reviewed and construction will begin in October. The new addition is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2015 and renovation to the West Building will begin in 2016.
The September 30 Ground Breaking Ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on the North lawn of the campus where the new addition will be located. The program will feature United States Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (Ohio 9), Ohio Congressman Chris Redfern (District 89), Ohio Senator Randy Gardner (District 2), and BGSU President Mary Ellen Mazey.
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