A ribbon cutting ceremony for the $9.5 million Multidisciplinary Simulation Laboratory and Student Fitness Center on the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine campus in Alton will take place at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9.
SIU President Glenn W. Poshard and SIU Edwardsville Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe will be among University representatives, faculty, staff and students on site to celebrate the result of years of planning and commitment. The event will take place on the Alton campus, 2800 College Avenue.
Construction of the structure began in October 2012. The School of Dental Medicine received $4.1 million for the project from the state when Illinois Gov. Patrick Quinn signed legislation in 2009 that created $31 billion “Illinois Jobs Now!” plan.
The lab will be a primary site of instruction for 100 pre-doctoral students in Year I and Year II. It contains 65 simulation units. The 18,000-square-foot addition also will include a ceramic reconstruction room, x-ray room, casting and dispensing areas. Space in the new facility also replaces the school’s fitness center.
Refreshments and tours of the new facility will be available immediately following the ribbon cutting ceremony.