After months of planning and construction, the new USU Eastern Central Instruction Building was dedicated at a ceremony on Friday.
Guests joined students and faculty for the ceremony and celebrated with a ribbon cutting. They then heard from key players in the development of the new building.
The ceremony began as Kris Krompel performed a guitar piece for those in attendance. The guitar played by Krompel is made from the wood of a chestnut tree that once stood where they new building is housed.
“This building stands in the footprint of the old main building,” USU Eastern Chancellor Joe Peterson said.
With 52 degree programs, the construction of the building aims to better accommodate USU Eastern’s 1,100 students. The $20 million building, located between the G.J. Reeves building and the Geary Theatre, houses classes for music, theater, art, communication and criminal justice. Many classes originate in the CIB while others from throughout the state are streamed live to classrooms.
“It has been a long time coming,” Senator David Hinkins said.
In April 2014, ground was broken to begin the construction of the new CIB. During an open house preceding the groundbreaking, Peterson, Hinkins and Utah State University President Stan Albrecht shared a few words about the positive impact the building will bring to the school and the community.
“This new building will be iconic, a venue of pride for students, faculty and the community,” Petersen said. “It is a significant enhancement to our ability to fulfill our mission.”
Crews worked for months to construct the building. Classrooms, including a crime scene classroom, an outdoor kiln area and much more fill the space in the CIB while seemingly endless windows welcome the community to the school.
“Thank you all for the role you’ve played in making this happen,” Utah State University President Stan Albrecht said. “At the end of the day, it’s for our students.”
