Students may be on break, but we sure aren't! Construction is nearing completion on the O'Leary Learning Center, on the garden level/ground floor of the Education Building. Crews of electricians, painters, and other contractors have been working steadily over the summer to make this space come to life.
The sophisticated 4,400 square foot laboratory space is designed to advance research and teaching through enhanced collaboration of interdisciplinary research projects, provide improved online learning spaces, and enrich STEM instruction. It honors the O'Leary family's lifelong commitment to education and learning.
Check out this video of the floor-to-ceiling transformation of the laboratory space.
"The wood-slotted ceiling in the Center mirrors the vertical slats on the first floor walls and other areas of the building, tying the College’s history and its future together while creating a cohesive aesthetic," says Jeremy Jones, director of infrastructure and support.
"Since the initial plans, the College secured additional funds to go above and beyond the O’Leary space," says Jones. "We’re now able to extend the wood vinyl flooring, fresh paint, new ceiling, and LED lighting down the entire ground level hallway and even into the Dean's Suite. The improvements are spreading throughout the college, as we’re opening the spaces up and creating a mature design that matches the quality of educational experience provided to Education at Illinois students.”
The official O'Leary Learning Center grand opening and ribbon-cutting event takes place September 27, 2019.
