Around the University
Construction begins on Science Building
Groundbreaking was held Dec. 7 for the new Science Building on the Auraria Campus, and construction began over the holiday break. The $111 million Science Building project will renovate and add 197,000 square feet to meet the needs of the three Auraria institutions. The new four-story structure will house much-needed teaching and research labs, as well as support spaces, general classrooms and research lab offices. Construction should be completed in summer 2009 and renovations to the existing structure finished for fall 2010.
Want to watch the progress? Visit www.ahec.edu/sciencebuilding.htm
New name represents new opportunities
After much consideration, gathering of viewpoints and analysis and with the help of a professional consulting firm, “University of Colorado Denver” was chosen as the institution’s permanent name. “The new name is simply a starting point for our work toward gaining the recognition we deserve for so many of our outstanding programs,” said Chancellor M. Roy Wilson. “We are the state’s premier research institution, a national leader in health care and health care research, and a major contributor to the intellectual and creative life of all the communities we touch.” The new name represents the merged downtown Denver and Anschutz Medical Campuses and opens doors for expanded business and interdisciplinary program opportunities throughout the university.
Campus plans for the Democratic National Convention
For the first time since its opening, the Auraria campus will shut down for a Denver-based event—the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 23–29, 2008. Situated between the two major venues for the event, the Pepsi Center and the Convention Center, the Auraria campus will be a major thoroughfare during the convention. Classes will start a week earlier this fall to accommodate the academic calendar, and groups from schools and colleges across campus are planning ways to get involved—from preconvention seminars for the public to volunteering at the event.
UCD, Children’s Hospital chosen for nationwide autism treatment network
In December, Autism Speaks, the nation’s leading autism advocacy organization, announced its Autism Treatment Network (ATN) would triple in size, expanding from five sites to 15 sites across the United States and Canada. Among the new additions to the network are faculty at the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine and The Children’s Hospital. UC Denver and The Children’s Hospital are the only medical center and hospital chosen from the Rocky Mountain region.
Presidential proposal offered to address climate change
A team based at the UC Denver School of Public Affairs is working on a detailed action plan for the next president of the United States, designed to jump-start leadership during the first 100 days of the new administration. The Presidential Climate Action Plan project is being spearheaded by former Senator Gary Hart, Wirth Chair in Environmental and Community Development Policy, and Bill Becker, executive director of the Presidential Climate Action Project. The plan, which includes approximately 300 specific recommendations, is not party-specific and focuses on themes of national security and stewardship of our planet.