Robert N. Noyce '49 Science Center Dedication

Robert N. Noyce '49 Science Center As the nation faces a perceived crisis in the quality of science education and the country falls behind in producing skilled researchers to solve 21st century problems, Grinnell College excels at producing scientists. In a recent National Science Foundation (NSF) analysis, Grinnell is listed 8th among institutions nationwide that graduate scientists who later earn Ph.D.s in a scientific field.

On Oct. 3 and 4, Grinnell will celebrate its success by dedicating an innovative science teaching building named for one of its most notable science graduates--the late Robert N. Noyce '49, co-inventor of the integrated circuit and co-founder of Intel Corp.

The Robert N. Noyce '49 Science Center, designed by Chicago architectural firm Holabird and Root, includes state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories that allow students and faculty to move seamlessly from classroom to lab, individual study to collaboration. Grinnell's approach to science teaching is hands-on, "doing" science that begins with introductory, first-year courses in biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, psychology, mathematics and statistics.

"Grinnell has, over the past two decades, committed itself to curricular innovation and success in science education," said President Russell K. Osgood. "We now have the first-rate facilities to support this exemplary academic program that has graduated scientists who have made a difference in their fields of scholarship and research."

Grinnell's proven approach to science teaching and learning, which has earned the college recognition from practicing scientists, researchers at other academic institutions, and funding sources, is also the impetus for Grinnell to consider establishing a program on science in the liberal arts. The effort, which will be led by Professor of Chemistry Jim Swartz, will be a resource to other colleges and universities interested in pursuing Grinnell's curricular model for discovery and inquiry in the sciences. Swartz, who is the former dean of the college, is a project coordinator for the NSF-funded Project Kaleidoscope Pedagogies of Engagement Project.

Tom Cech '70 The Oct. 3-4 dedication and celebration weekend schedule will include the following events:

Oct. 3, 4:15 p.m. Rosenfield Center Room 101
(public welcome)
Science and design experts will offer perspectives on "Facilities, Pedagogies, Liberal Arts, and Renaissance Scientists."

Panelists will include Nobel Prize winner Tom Cech '70, president, Howard Hughes Medical Institute; James Baird, principal architect, Holabird and Root; Kathy Jacobson, associate professor of biology, Grinnell College; Elaine Marzluff, associate professor of chemistry, Grinnell College; and Swartz.

Oct. 3, 6:15 p.m. Athletic & Fitness Center Darby Gym
(public welcome)
All-Campus Science Celebration
Oct. 3, 8 p.m. Rosenfield Center Dining Commons
(invitation only)
Dedication Dinner
Oct. 4, 9-10:30 a.m. Noyce Science Center
(public welcome)
Campus guests will have an opportunity to see science in action at operating workstations and view the new facilities during an open house throughout the Noyce Science Center.
Oct. 4, 11 a.m. Noyce Science Center North Lawn
(public welcome)
The building dedication ceremony, on the north lawn of the science center, will include remarks by Kay Bucksbaum '51, life trustee of the college; Leslie Gregg-Jolly, professor of biology and associate dean of the college; Osgood and Swartz.
Oct. 4, noon Rosenfield Center
(invitation only)
Lunch in the Rosenfield Center

The Noyce Science Center is located at 1116 8th Ave. on the Grinnell College campus. In case of inclement weather, the dedication ceremony will be conducted in a covered area west of the science center on 8th Ave.