STATE UNIVERSITIES
NMU plans to renovate University Center
Northern Michigan University has begun the design process for an estimated $17.5 million renovation of the University Center. An architect has been hired and a 16-member advisory committee with broad campus representation is being established. The project aims to provide a modern conference venue for large events at the university and address outstanding long-term maintenance.
GVSU breaks ground on health campus expansion
Officials from Grand Valley State University, the city of Grand Rapids, and Neighbors of Belknap Lookout recently broke ground for Raleigh J. Finkelstein Hall. The five-story, 84,000-square-foot building will include classroom, laboratory and office space to support the College of Health Professions and Kirkhof College of Nursing. It will include four classrooms, 15 teaching laboratories, a computer lab, and 90 faculty and staff offices and parking spaces.
PEER INSTITUTIONS
Maryland receives $3M grant for graduate students in network biology
The University of Maryland recently received a five-year, $3 million National Science Foundation grant to help researchers in the life sciences learn how to transform the massive amounts of raw data made possible by the advent of powerful new technologies into useful information from which new biological insights can be inferred. Through the grant, the university is establishing a new training and research program in network biology.
IU leads smart-home effort to advance senior health and independence
Indiana University will soon establish “HomeSHARE,” the first networked system of smart homes designed to advance research on older adults. The project will involve installation of high-tech sensors and other equipment in the homes of 15 elderly volunteers throughout the city of Bloomington in an effort to improve the quality of life of older adults.
Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust gives $45M to UI Neuroscience Institute
The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust has committed a transformational $45 million grant to the University of Iowa that will allow for the creation of a cross-disciplinary neuroscience center within the Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. The new Iowa Neuroscience Institute will conduct research to find causes and treatments for the many diseases that affect the brain and nervous system. This is the largest gift given to the ‘For Iowa. Forever More.’ campaign.
— Compiled by Meg Bauer, The University Record
