DANA RECEIVES TWO GRANTS TO IMPROVE SCIENCE FACILITIES

Dana College is pleased to report that it has been awarded two grants to help fund it’s Science Solutions project. Together, the grants equal nearly $75,000 and will be used to create a special study and work area for Dana’s science students and upgrade an existing classroom for better demonstrations during classes.

The new Science Learning Center will be located on the third floor of the Dana Hall of Science. Existing walls will be removed to create a larger space to hold computer workstations, a science library, conference table and dry-erase boards.

The space will be a great addition to Dana’s science facilities, said Dr. Therese Michels, associate professor of chemistry.

“Our students in biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics already have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and up-to-date scientific software and the opportunity to use it in an environment that promotes discussion and learning,” Michels said. “The new Science Learning Center will give students the opportunity to use the software in an environment that promotes discussion and learning. The center will give students a space where they will have easy access to computers, faculty members and each other.”

The science majors are becoming increasingly popular at Dana, especially for students planning to enter the burgeoning health fields. Like all programs at Dana, the sciences are built around a philosophy of mentoring students through constant one-on-one attention from faculty members. The new space will students to gain the maximum benefit of these close relationships.

Some of the funds will also go toward making the Dana Science Hall’s most used classroom into a “smart” classroom that maximizes the technology-based learning opportunities for students. It will feature a science demonstration unit with electrical, water and gas connections. This will enable faculty members to conduct in-class demonstrations of key scientific concepts. The updated classroom will also be wired to support the extensive use of laptop computers by students. New desks will be equipped with special modules that allow appropriate equipment connections.

The largest grant is from the Omaha World-Herald Foundation for $50,000, payable in 2004 and 2005. A second grant is from the Dr. C.C. and Mabel Criss Memorial Foundation of Omaha. The Criss grant is for $24,300 and will be paid in September 2004.

“These are very important grants from two very important and generous area foundations,” said Dr. Myrvin Christopherson, Dana College president. “Our goal is to make every student a doer as well as a listener and reader. Science students should be able to ‘do’ science. The grants from the Omaha World-Herald Foundation and the Criss Foundation will give hands-on access to students, better preparing them for laboratories, and for graduate and medical schools.”

Dana College is a place where students make things happen — in their own lives and in the lives of others. Through a highly supportive faculty and campus community, Dana students develop interpersonal skills, leadership abilities, and other important values and knowledge as they make choices about their future. Dana’s outstanding academic programs in business, education, science and social work, among others, ensure that students have the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to pursue challenging careers or placement in graduate school.

Dana College is a private, liberal arts institution in Blair, Neb. To learn more, visit www.dana.edu.

Dana College: Develop talents, Take charge, Build a future — We’re with you all the way.

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For more information contact:

Sarah Cavanah
Communications Coordinator
Dana College
(402) 426-7216
scavanah@fs1.dana.edu