The capital cornerstone of the Momentum Augustana campaign is the estimated $45 million combined project to reconstruct, expand and fully equip the existing facility. Phase one of the project earmarks $30 million for the construction of new laboratories and a Nursing Education wing.

This new state-of-the-art facility will strengthen Augustana’s already exceptional academics, provide the foundation to develop a national Center of Excellence in the Sciences, facilitate new and innovative approaches in science instruction and learning and increase opportunities for continued excellence in faculty/student research

Augustana can already tout one of the top science programs in the region. Here at Augustana: 

• learning is grounded in a “culture of discovery”
• undergraduates do cutting-edge work in a nationally recognized research program
• students benefit from Augustana’s proximity to a burgeoning community of biomedical and biotechnical research and medical excellence
• faculty are committed first and foremost to teaching, mentoring and the success of their students
• students learn in an interdisciplinary, research-based environment and test well above national averages. 

Over the past three years, 90% of graduating Augustana seniors seeking admission into medical schools across the nation are accepted—double the national acceptance rate. This is a phenomenal accomplishment, a testament to the College’s longstanding tradition of attracting outstanding students who are challenged and motivated by a dynamic faculty. Equally as impressive is the consistent 100% placement record of our nursing graduates who are employed in America’s top health care facilities.

These exceptional results will only continue if, in addition to maintaining a remarkable faculty, Augustana succeeds in keeping pace with the facility demands of modern science education.

An early leadership gift for the Science Complex project is generously provided by Augustana Trustee Dr. Greg Schultz (Class of 1974) and his wife Karen Devick-Schultz (Class of 1975). “Augustana is such an extraordinary place to learn and grow—intellectually, spiritually and physically. For those of us whose careers were shaped and launched at Augie, giving back is a joy and a privilege.”

Highlights of the new Gilbert Science Complex will include:

• innovative and flexible teaching and research spaces that flow into one another seamlessly
• a state-of-the-art laboratory complex
• a commitment to environmental stability through LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification collaborative learning and gathering spaces

The facility design will support engagement of students and faculty within their own peer groups and with each other, promote a personalized approach to the learning experience, and foster cross disciplinary collaborations.

Early plans and speculative design elements are creating much enthusiasm for what will be a true jewel on the Augustana campus. This new facility will incorporate a number of unique learning, research and collaborative spaces. Naming gift opportunities associated with these interior spaces will be shared with interested individuals, families and groups of alumni and friends. We invite conversations with those interested in honoring family, a cherished faculty member, or others through a designated gift. Development vice president Jon Henkes is available to share these special opportunities with interested alumni and friends. Jon can be reached at 605.274.5521 or via email at  henkes@augie.edu.