The Andalusia Interpretive Center was not the only Georgia College construction project brought to the forefront Wednesday.
After breaking ground on the center, university officials gathered again later in the day to celebrate the completion of the new Integrated Science Complex, a $22.1 million facility that will house biology and chemistry labs as well as faculty offices.
Windows are a major feature in the 43,000-square foot building located on the corner of West Montgomery and North Wilkinson streets. The complex was designed with the theme “science on display” in mind. Massive panes of glass make up a significant portion of the exterior, allowing the outside world to see in. That’s the case inside as well. Anyone who walks through will be able see science students and faculty working on experiments.
In addition to showcasing science, the building also helps relieve some space issues on campus as multiple faculty and staff members Wednesday said Herty Hall, which also houses science programs, was stretched to its limits.
“Our plan was that this facility should change the way we do science on this campus because our science programs have been growing and thriving,” said Dr. Eric Tenbus, dean of the GC College of Arts and Sciences. “Herty Hall has been bursting at the seams for some time. Our faculty and students needed a science center where they could enjoy state-of-the-art labs and a state-of-the-art building where undergraduate research will be the focus. And here it is. What an amazing addition to our beautiful campus.”
Now former GC President Dr. Steve Dorman, whose last day was Thursday, said he remembers one of his first duties in Milledgeville was reopening a renovated Herty Hall in 2012.
“When I walked through that renovation, I was quickly impressed with how full everything was,” Dorman said. “Even with the renovation, there were displays in the hallways, and everything seemed to be full. I knew then that a new science complex would be needed in the future.”
Among those excited about the new addition was Dr. Indiren Pillay, GC chair of biological and environmental sciences.
“We were in a wonderful building, but an overstuffed building where our faculty had a rough time offering everything we needed to offer,” Pillay said. “This building is designed with students in mind … Our students are going to have an incredible state-of-the-art experience in a facility that is 21st century.”
The design phase for the Integrated Science Complex (ISC) began back in 2018 and the university broke ground on the project in February 2020. It’s the first new academic building to be built on the GC campus since the Arts and Sciences building in 1995. The COVID-19 pandemic did slow construction efforts on the ISC by a couple months, but it was completed in time for students and staff to move in following Christmas break in January.
“There were so many unknowns about what would happen and whether the construction industry would be able to keep moving,” said Mark Bowen, GC assistant director for facilities planning. “I think our team did a tremendous job of being able to provide this building for us under the difficult circumstances that we had.”
Wednesday’s ISC ribbon-cutting was among the last duties for Dr. Dorman on the GC campus as Thursday was his final day as president. He’s giving way to former Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox who is serving as the university’s 12th president. Before the ribbon-cutting ceremony was concluded Wednesday, GC Provost Dr. Costas Spirou had an announcement to make.
“Dr. Dorman, in recognition of your many contributions to the University and for your visionary leadership in developing the Integrated Science Complex, Georgia College is pleased to name the building atrium as the Steve M. Dorman Integrated Science Atrium. Congratulations.”
The atrium is just inside the ISC main entrance, and on the second-floor balcony Wednesday was a sign displaying the area’s new name.
Also inside the ISC is a time capsule, which is to be opened in 25 years on Sept. 29, 2046. It’s been stuffed with GC T-shirts, biographies of current faculty members, research articles, a letter from the current student government president, newspaper clippings, and, of course, masks as a reminder of what the campus was going through when the complex was completed.
Outside the new building is a stone memorial, marking the property as the former home of Slater family. Dorman described Alonzo Slater and Ida Walker Slater as leaders of the local Black community in the early 20th century. One of their descendants was on hand for Wednesday’s ceremony.
“We certainly wish to continue to honor their legacy,” said Dorman.
