Maroon News

Issue date: 9/20/07 Section: News

This Saturday marked an important day for the Colgate campus and community with the dedication of the Robert H. N. Ho Science Center. The building's two-story atrium was filled with Colgate faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the college, all of whom were present to honor and celebrate the opening of the building, as well as pay tribute to Robert Ho '57 himself.

The Ho Center and its donor were celebrated for providing the best possible facilities to students and faculty. Its key role in preparing students for the increasingly technology-oriented and interdisciplinary world was repeatedly emphasized throughout the ceremony.

President of the University and Professor of Philosophy and Religion Rebecca Chopp made the welcoming remarks and spoke highly of Ho's dedication to Colgate and what he was providing by acting as the lead donor on the project.

"Mr. Ho has the aspiration that Colgate will now be even more prepared to educate citizens for the whole world," Chopp said. "The world needs leaders who can analyze and communicate and Mr. Ho wanted this building erected around those ideas. This building is truly a celebration of the sciences in the context of the liberal arts."

Following Chopp, Provost and Dean of Faculty Lyle Roelofs spoke. He recognized and thanked the individuals on campus that helped design, plan and oversee the new building. He followed with a preview and description of the facilities of the center and how it is being fully utilized to expand the sciences at Colgate. Roelofs was confident that the forty new laboratories and research spaces, five-chamber greenhouse and common areas that foster student and faculty interaction would spark the interest of any and every student at Colgate, no matter what their major.

"Not only are we a great school with a great football team," said Roelofs to resounding applause for the 31-28 win over Dartmouth, "But now we can be known as a great institution with a superb science program."

Board of Trustees member, alumnus and Colgate parent Denis Cronin was the next speaker. He discussed the schism between the scientific and literary communities and how he hoped the new science center would eliminate that disparity on the Colgate campus.

"Knowledge is an entirety," Cronin said. "It should not be segmented. Even a fugitive of the sciences like me can't help but be in awe and celebrate over this new cathedral of science."

After Mr. Cronin sat down, the guest of honor was introduced and welcomed with a standing ovation from the audience.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools