The Buffalo State College campus community is invited to attend one of the most exciting campus events of the semester—the Science and Mathematics Complex Groundbreaking ceremony—on Friday, September 25, at 3:00 p.m. in the John Urban Auditorium, Science Building 213.

Speakers and guests who will attend include members of the College Council, state and local officials, and supporters of the college. A reception will follow the ceremony. Reservations are requested; please call (716) 878-5115.

The new science and mathematics complex—a 224,000-square-foot facility over three levels—will be home to the Chemistry, Biology, Earth Sciences and Science Education, Mathematics, and Physics departments, the Great Lakes Center, and a state-of-the-art planetarium. The project is estimated to cost $110 million.

“This is an important step that will demonstrate Buffalo State’s commitment to preparing the scientists, mathematicians, and the science and math teachers who are so essential in an increasingly complex global culture,” said Mark Severson, dean of the School of Natural and Social Sciences.

Kim Bagley, professor of chemistry, serves as the faculty liaison for the project. “The Science Building Advocacy Committee began working on our view of what we wanted in the building in fall 2004,” she said. “I’m very grateful to all the faculty members who have put so much time and effort into providing the information and feedback necessary to build a facility that meets our needs.”

Phase I of the project, scheduled for completion in summer 2012, includes a 96,000-square-foot addition along the west side of the existing Science Building that will house new teaching and research labs, faculty offices, and instrumentation rooms.

Phase II, to be completed in 2015, will include demolition of the Science Building’s south wing, a full renovation of the north wing, and construction of a second addition along the south side of the building, which will house a greenhouse for the Biology Department.

The new planetarium, designed to appear as a large, glowing sphere housed in a transparent framework, will define the complex’s main entrance. A walkway from the Student Union Quad will lead directly to it. Inside the building, the walkway will lead visitors to an impressive three-story sky-lighted atrium that will be the main route through the complex. Upper-level balconies and bridges will open to the atrium, offering spaces for conversations and collaboration as well as quiet study. The design will create an environment that cultivates interdisciplinary research activities among both students and faculty.

The complex will be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards and will incorporate many environmentally friendly features, including storm-water collection and treatment, use of recycled materials, water-conserving fixtures, and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. The project is expected to qualify for Gold Certification, which affirms the design and operation of the facility to be energy-efficient and environmentally responsible. The LEED rating system is a national benchmark for high-performance green buildings.