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WIU Chemistry Instructor Garima Mishra gave a tour of the new lab and discussed the essential safety equipment, expanded storage capacity and state-of-the-art resources now available to WIU students in the lab.
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Chemistry Instructor Garima Mishra and Interim President Kristi Mindrup cut the ribbon for the newly renovated Chemistry classroom on the WIU-Quad Cities campus.
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L-R: Chemistry Instructor Garima Mishra, Interim President Kristi Mindrup and Executive Director of Outreach and Quad Cities Operations Audrey Adamson
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WIU-Quad Cities Chemistry Lab Renovation Celebrated

May 14, 2024

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - - The Western Illinois University and Quad Cities communities gathered to commemorate the opening of the first-ever and newly renovated Chemistry classroom on the WIU-Quad Cities campus.

The laboratory renovation was funded by a generous $136,919 grant from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. The grant allowed WIU to upgrade an existing classroom space on campus with safety equipment, storage capacity and laboratory equipment that enables the Quad Cities campus to offer WIU's introductory sequence of Chemistry courses. The Carver grant represents a substantial investment in the educational resources available to students at WIU-Quad Cities.

Ribbon cutting attendees included Rock Island County Board Members Porter McNeil and Richard Brunk, Derek Jones from U.S. Congressman Eric Sorenson's office and Tammy Swanson and Shanie Sanders-Brown from State Representative Dan Swanson's office. Several members of the WIU-QC Planning Advisory Committee were also in attendance. State Representative Gregg Johnson and State Senator Mike Halpin were not able to attend, but sent messages of support for the event.

During the ceremony, attendees heard from WIU Director of Corporate Relations Jennifer von Kaenel, Executive Director of Outreach and Quad Cities Operations Audrey Adamson, Chemistry Instructor Garima Mishra and Interim President Kristi Mindrup.

"The difference between a good university and a great one is philanthropy. We would like to thank the Roy J. Carver Charitable trust for its support of this lab," von Kaenel said to kick off the ceremony.

Interim President Mindrup focused on the changing needs of WIU students in her remarks.

"We designed these buildings with flexibility in mind. As our curriculum evolved, as our student interests and needs evolved, we wanted to make sure these spaces were ready for that evolution. Thanks to the Carver Trust, this vision has become a reality," Mindrup said.

Following the remarks, Mishra cut the ceremonial ribbon and officially opened the lab to attendees. Participants were able to explore the facility to learn from Mishra about the essential safety equipment, expanded storage capacity and state-of-the-art resources now available to WIU students in the lab.

The ceremony not only celebrated the completion of the classroom renovation but also highlighted the dedication and support from the Carver Trust in making this project a reality.

"The Carver Trust is deeply invested in the promotion of science and engineering as a means to improve human health and protect and maintain our natural world. We view educational initiatives like that undertaken by WIU-QC as a sure means to develop the interests and skills of the next generation of scientists, engineers and other practitioners who will advance this work, and we are proud to have assisted with this project," Carver Trust Program Director Lynne M. Sasmzaer said.

The renovation of this state-of-the-art laboratory facility is one of many donor-supported initiatives in the works that enable Western Illinois University to stay competitive, meet student needs and serve the regions supported by WIU's campuses.

For more information about how corporate support makes an impact at WIU, contact von Kaenel at jn-vonkaenel@wiu.edu

Posted By: Drew Donahoo (AM-Donahoo@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing