WSU Vancouver dedicates new Life Sciences Building

SALMON CREEK – Washington State University Vancouver dedicated its new $63.8 million Life Sciences Building on June 6.

“This building unlocks unbound potential in research, student learning and community engagement, and I want to thank everybody who has been a part of getting us here today,” Chancellor Mel Netzhammer said.

Gratitude was the message of the day shared with an audience of WSU faculty, staff, students, donors, state legislators and friends.

The Life Sciences Building, slated to open to students in August, houses lab space for programming in biology and chemistry, and serves general educational needs for all students and foundational courses for an array of science and technical degrees, including biology, chemistry, neuroscience and nursing.

The dedication offered the first opportunity for guests to see the Life Sciences Building’s art installations. Murals and floor tiles were created by Los Angeles painter Roberto Delgado. Seven pieces by Oregon-based painter, printmaker and illustrator Jo Hockenhull are on display. Hockenhull is a WSU Pullman emerita professor and served as associate dean for academic affairs at WSU Vancouver. “Pointed Mask” by sculptor Seymour Lipton, and donated by the Palmer Foundation, can be viewed in Suite 225.