Simulation Lab Press Conference Video
Southern Illinois University President Glenn W. Poshard, SIU Edwardsville Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe and SIU School of Dental Medicine Dean Bruce Rotter today christened the SDM’s $9.5 million John and Anna Markarian Multidisciplinary Simulation Laboratory. The event at the SIU SDM’s Alton campus also featured a variety of dignitaries.
“This addition to the School of Dental Medicine is not only a commitment to the University, but also a commitment to Southern Illinois,” Poshard said. “These types of investments in our students and schools also are an investment in our communities. This project and others within the SIU system provide construction jobs, permanent jobs and a place that will draw visitors to our neighborhoods and contribute to economic well-being.”
Furst-Bowe talked about the significance of this latest building to the SDM, and SIUE’s continued commitment to improving infrastructure for its students. “The state-of-the-art technology offered within the new simulation lab will significantly benefit the preclinical education program offered to our dental students,” Furst-Bowe said. “This will provide our students with all the tools, technology and confidence they need to offer the best possible care for patients.”
John and the late Anna Markarian are the parents of three successful SDM alumni – Drs. John, Ronald and Randall Markarian.
“The (Markarian) brothers stepped up early in the process and provided a lead gift to help equip the new simulation lab,” Rotter stated. “In honor of John and Anna, and to demonstrate our appreciation for the generosity, kindness and loyalty of the Markarian family, the new laboratory space is dedicated in their name.”
“I am so proud to be a SIU School of Dental Medicine graduate,” said Randall Markarian, who spoke on behalf of the family. “My parents always stressed education for us, and my father admired dentists. He prodded us toward dentistry as a career. We are grateful for the lives that dentistry has provided for us.
Rotter also acknowledged Dr. Neal Roller and his wife, Marilyn, who also provided a generous lead gift to the project.
“The new simulation units are a marked technological advancement for our educational program,” Rotter said. “We are excited by the opportunity to offer our students a more authentic simulation of a genuine patient treatment experience.”
Allen Mayer, deputy general counsel for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, represented Governor Pat Quinn. State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-113th District) was on hand along with Illinois Sen. Bill Haine (D-Alton) and Alton Mayor Brant Walker.
Third-year dental student Erin Syzdek spoke on behalf of the students. The president of the SDM student council, she described the improved laboratory learning environment as a major step forward.
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 the $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 60 simulation units. The 18,000-square-foot addition also will include a ceramic reconstruction room, x-ray room, casting and dispensing areas.
The project also included a new fitness center in the facility’s lower level.
Photo: SIU School of Dental Medicine third-year student Erin Syzdek (with scissors) cuts the ribbon for the John and Anna Markarian Multidisciplinary Simulation Laboratory. From left to right, Deputy General Counsel for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Allen Mayer, Alton Mayor Brant Walker, State Rep. Jay Hoffman, Illinois Sen. Bill Haine, SIUE Chancellor Julie Furst-Bowe, Syzdek, John Markarian (partially hidden), Randall Markarian, SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, SIU President Glenn Poshard, Ronald Markarian and John Markarian.