Fall/Winter 2008
Construction Update
Ground broken for Voice of America Learning Center
A new chapter of Miami University history was written on Sept. 5, 2007, when ground was broken for the Voice of America Learning Center, located at the site of the former Voice of America relay station in West Chester, Ohio.
The center, located approximately halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton, will provide convenient access to higher education for people with a variety of educational needs. From college beginners to those seeking professional advancement or certifications, a nationally renowned Miami education will be available through a variety of classes offered during daytimes, evenings, and weekends to accommodate working professionals.
According to project manager Randy Stephens, the fall months were spent completing the earthwork and establishing the pad for the 23,000 square-foot building.
“We’ve provided for a 330-day construction duration,” Stephens said. “We’re hoping to finish in September or October of 2008, which will give us time to test all of the building systems and work out any bugs before the center is scheduled to open in January of 2009.”
The Voice of America Learning Center, which can support more than 80 classes per week, will offer graduate programs from Miami’s Farmer School of Business and School of Education and Allied Professions and undergraduate programs coordinated by the Hamilton and Middletown regional campuses. The $7.5 million facility includes five classrooms, a 150-seat auditorium, a seminar room, an instructional media studio, and Miami Libraries access facilities.
“All of the classrooms are designed for flexibility and functionality,” Stephens said. “Since the center is going to serve a number of functions, we needed to allow for different setups and provide the necessary technologies.”
Further momentum was lent to the center in September, when the center’s first gift was received from Mr. and Mrs. Frank Batsche.
Back to the Giving Tribute Fall/Winter 2008
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