|
The 7,000 square foot multi-use facility, which
was designed by Woolpert LLP of Cincinnati,
consists of educational, research and public
display components with about 4,460 square feet
under glass. Within the building, 4,200 square
feet will be used for botanical displays and
meeting space. The remaining 2,800 square feet
will be used for instruction, research, and
service purposes. A plaza, formal gardens and
outdoor art will enhance the entrance to The
Conservatory.
According
to Miami Hamilton Executive Dr. Director Daniel
Hall, "We are grateful for the Fitton family's
gift of $3.3 million that will support this
initiative on the Hamilton campus. It is a very
special gesture from a family that has been
a longtime benefactor of Miami and the greater
Hamilton area. Not only does it enhance the
educational and research opportunities on the
campus, it also enriches the quality of life
in and around Butler County."
Director
of Development Jim Neidhard said, "Throughout
the planning process, the Fittons were adamant
in their desire to make sure this project addressed
our needs to create and maintain an excellent
program. In knowing Mr. Fitton, I was not surprised
that his only concern was meeting the needs
of the academic programs at Miami Hamilton."
Richard
Fitton said, "Our family always has recognized
the importance of Miami University and specifically
Miami Hamilton to the Hamilton community. Our
intention in supporting this project was to
make those feelings quite clear. We were impressed
by the enthusiasm and foresight that the faculty
and staff showed in creating this project and
we are pleased that we can help them make this
a reality."
According
to Associate Professor of Botany Dan Gladish,
"With the addition of The Conservatory, Miami
Hamilton can strengthen course offerings in
botany, ecology, zoology and other areas of
science, as well as provide resources for graphic
arts, photography and the social sciences. The
Conservatory affords opportunities for the expansion
of programs at Miami Hamilton, such as horticulture,
greenhouse management and landscape technology."
In
addition, The Conservatory and its grounds will
be a site for primary scientific research involving
faculty, undergraduate and graduate students.
The gift provides support for a graduate assistantship,
and according to Gladish this will enhance the
Botany Department's research capabilities.
Gladish
emphasized that an important role for The Conservatory
will be as "a terrific resource for primary
and secondary education and for interested community
groups. The gift enables Miami Hamilton to expand
the existing demonstration prairie, incorporate
adjacent woodland areas, establish a grove of
native trees and construct permanent walkways
and trails throughout the landscape with interpretive
signs along the way."
Construction for The Conservatory will begin
this spring with an estimated completion date
of Fall 2004.
|
