Roanoke College is set to host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Science Center on Saturday. The project, which has been in the works since 2011, will see the construction of a new facility to replace Massengill Auditorium on Market Street. The total cost of the construction for the new building is $30 million, which is half of the overall $60 million budget that will also cover renovations to adjacent buildings.
Upon completion, the new facility will house about one-third of Roanoke College’s courses and will be the hub for all STEM classes at the college. Every student, regardless of their major, will have to take at least one class at the center during their time pursuing a degree. Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed by fall 2026.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be a combined celebration of this new endeavor and a farewell to Massengill Auditorium. The event is scheduled to take place at 4 p.m. and will feature remarks from college leaders and donors who have contributed towards the project, including former college president David and Susan Gring, who contributed a total of $3.5 million towards the project.
The Science Center project has been largely funded by donations from alumni, faculty, and staff. Roanoke College has always been committed to providing its students with access to state-of-the-art facilities that will enable them to succeed in today’s rapidly changing world. With the construction of this new facility, students will have access to cutting-edge equipment and technology that will help them pursue their dreams and achieve their full potential.
