Indiana University Northwest Celebrates the Opening of $45M Arts & Sciences Building

Indiana University Northwest Celebrates the Opening of $45M Arts & Sciences Building

Indiana University Northwest celebrated with members of the Northwest Indiana communities Friday as they dedicated their brand new $45 million Arts & Sciences building. The dedication ceremony took place inside the new building’s impressive theater and was followed by a reception, tours, and a concert by the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra.

The 126,000-square foot building came to completion after many years of planning and work on the part of those in the Gary community. In 2008, the campus sustained flood damage that closed and led to the eventual demolishment of Tamarack Hall, the building which held the campus theater. Over time, many people worked to replace the building, and 2012 saw the proposal of a plan that would indeed lead to that. This new building is the culmination of effort on the part of many, and promises a profound impact on the community and students.

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“This building and, more broadly, the Indiana University Northwest campus reflects the fact that Indiana University Northwest has served, and continues to serve, as the people’s university,” said Michael McRobbie, President of Indiana University. “Today’s dedication of this long-awaited and much-needed facility is testimony to the dedication of many groups and individuals.”

This dedication has brought a great amount of hope and excitement to those involved. The building houses state-of-the-art technology as well as an art gallery, a 500-seat theater, and a 100-seat black box studio theater. With these new amenities available, there is much hope in the future of the arts for the Northwest Indiana campus.

“When a community and a campus invest in a new theater, they are creating a space for us all to share in the most basic of human endeavors: They are creating a place for stories,” said Mark Baer, Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing.

The Northwets Indiana community stands to benefit from the new facility as it has a partnership with another local school, which will allow more people to gain degrees. The area is also expected to see more community members in to utilize the theater and gallery aspects. The community isn’t the only group set to benefit from this new building, though. First and foremost, are the students.

“This building will not only aid in academics, but also enhance the talents of our students and community in our marvelous art gallery and theater,” said Gabriela Jaimes, President of the Student Government Association at Indiana University Northwest.

This building is a promise and an inspiration to the community, as it provides a way for students to gather, collaborate, and create amazing things. The impact and importance of this addition to the Gary community was not underappreciated at the dedication ceremony.

“The Arts & Sciences Building will be a creative focus, where the campus and Northwest Indiana communities find ways to make and enjoy an enhanced quality of life,” said William J. Lowe, Chancellor of Indiana University Northwest.

With the addition of this building, the Indiana University Northwest campus can continue to help the Northwest Indiana region thrive. With state of the art facilities and theaters, the student body is sure to make quite an impact as they go forward.

To learn more about Indiana University Northwest, visit: www.iun.edu