Environmental Center Groundbreaking Set for Concordia

Posted: July 2, 2009

Groundbreaking on the new Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship at Concordia University Wisconsin will take place on Tuesday, July 14 at 11 a.m. The 13,000 square-foot, two-story building will be constructed on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan taking advantage of the recently restored bluff and one-half mile of shoreline.

 

The building demonstrates the University’s commitment to environmental education, fresh water conservation and emphasis on sustainable energy resources. Plans for the center include laboratories, classrooms and a large seminar room that can accommodate 200 people for presentations. With its lakefront exposure, Concordia officials say the building will be a center for the study of the Great Lakes and other environmental issues. The building will be certified as a LEED Gold building.

 

“When completed, the center will offer many educational programs and research in water stewardship and other sustainability education topics for CUW students as well as visiting area schools and the greater community,” says Bruce Bessert, Director of the Concordia Center for Environmental Stewardship Program.

 

Concordia has added new degrees because of the new center, now offering a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and education with a minor in environmental studies, and a master’s degree in education with an emphasis on environmental education.

 

“This new center is in line with Concordia’s increased and continued interested in green initiatives,” noted Dr. William Cario, Vice President of Academics. “Each of our recent building projects has been built to increasing environmental standards, especially to save energy and other resources,” noted Cario.

 

Construction is expected to be completed in time for the start of the 2010 academic year. The total cost of the building is expected to be between $3.5 and $3.75 million and is being funded exclusively through charitable gifts already secured for the project,” stated Duane H. Hilgendorf, Senior Vice President of Advancement.

 

“This new center reinforces Concordia University Wisconsin’s efforts to create programs that are both important to the student body and the community as a whole,” says CUW President, Patrick T. Ferry.

 

Expected to be on hand for the July 14th groundbreaking will be several local and regional dignitaries, including Sen. Alberta Darling and Mequon Mayor Christine Neurnberg, as well as those involved with helping get the project off the ground.