(Host) Thanks to a nearly two million dollar federal grant, Castleton State College is enlarging and renovating its science and math center.
Senator Jim Jeffords helped secure the funding and was honored today along with former Senator Robert Stafford at a ceremonial groundbreaking.
VPR’s Nina Keck was in Castleton.
(Keck) Castleton State College President David Wolk says the $1.9 million federal grant is the largest received by a school in the Vermont State College system and he says the physical improvements to Castleton’s math and science center will be dramatic.
(Wolk) Probably the most significant – we’ll have state of the art, very modern laboratory facilities for student and faculty research. We’ll also have a brand new lecture hall with state of the art equipment – 127 seats. A new wing for mathematics, classrooms, faculty offices, new academic equipment and a general renovation on the entire buildling.”
(Keck) Wolk says Senator Jeffords made the grant possible and the new math and science center will be named in his honor.
At the ceremonial groundbreaking, Wolk praised Jeffords longtime efforts on behalf of education. Wolk also praised the efforts of former Senator Robert Stafford – another supporter of education who is perhaps best known for the federal student loan program which bears his name.
Robert Stafford didn’t attend the ceremony, but his wife and daughter did in his place.
After a flattering introduction, Jeffords took the stage himself
(Jeffords) “Needless to say I don’t get many invitations to appear with presidents these days. I think it’s been about five years. (laughter) On a serious note – I’m both honored and humbled to receive this recognition from Castleton State College and to be sharing space with my good friend and mentor Bob Stafford. Having the ability to work with him so many years and seeing how masterfully he could get things done helped me tremendously in my career. I’m also grateful to have worked with so many of you on issues relating to education. There is no better way to invest our federal dollars than in our schools. This campus is a wonderful example to how investment pay off. And I am honored to have played a small part in making this happen. Thank you all – thank you thank you thank you.”
(Applause)
(Keck) The new math and science center should be completed next summer. David Wolk says the project is part of a larger $20 million capital campaign effort that will include a new theater, new residence halls, new athletic facilities plus extensive renovations.
For Vermont Public Radio, I’m Nina Keck in Castleton.