The University of New Mexico NEWS RELEASE |
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Media Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627 September 10, 2008 UNM Dedicates Centennial Engineering Center on Sunday The public is invited on Sunday, Sept. 14 when the University of New Mexico dedicates Centennial Engineering Center. The campus’s newest and largest building features 147,500 square feet on four levels. The dedication ceremony begins at 3 p.m. with tours of the classroom and laboratories from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. “Centennial Engineering Center allows us to serve students in engineering and computer science by giving them hands-on experiences critical for the 21 st century,” said Dean of the School of Engineering Joseph L. Cecchi. “The center increases the school’s capacity for innovation, multidisciplinary research, developing patents, creating new businesses and economic growth.” Centennial is the new home for the Civil Engineering Department, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Student Services, the Dean’s Office, and some labs for the Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Department. The building was designed by Van H. Gilbert, Architect PC of Albuquerque in collaboration with Shepley, Bulfinch, Richardson & Abbot of Boston. It combines contemporary flair with the John Gaw Meem Spanish Pueblo Revival style of sloped surfaces, prominent entries, deeply recessed windows and an open air courtyard. Lab Tours
The Civil Engineering Department offers degrees in civil engineering, construction engineering and construction management. It also offers expertise in water resources, sustainability and transportation. Tours of the environmental labs, water labs, hydraulics lab and the autoclave lab, which is shared with the Center for Biomedical Engineering are featured Visitors will see how civil engineers model the effectiveness of Albuquerque’s flood control channels and conduct other research to assess and improve New Mexico’s water quality.
CBME is dedicated to creating materials, devices and knowledge to advance healthcare and biomedicine and leads the effort to establish the state’s only Ph.D. and MS programs in biomedical engineering. Lab tours will demonstrate CMBE’s research expertise ranging from pioneering work in the root cause of Alzheimer’s disease to work with polymers that enable bone growth in a new, rapid and very controlled way.
The Engineering Student Services office administers a number of specialized programs including advisement, tutoring and scholarships to help students make a successful transition from high school to college. ESS also coordinates summer programs and outreach. Visitors can see student lounges for tutoring and study groups, computer labs and student organization offices. The $42 million center features several energy savings elements including special controls to increase energy efficiency in lab areas with once-through air, recycled materials incorporated into the steel and concrete structure, multi-level switching for lights, and exterior solar shading. The center will be a new stop on the university shuttle bus route and has special provisions for bicycles. Outside lighting complies with New Mexico night sky provisions. ###
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| The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation. | |
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