The WMU marching band performs at the Sangren Hall opening ceremonies on Friday. Jacob Nelson/Staff Reporter
Jake Nelson
Staff Reporter
The new Sangren Hall had its Grand Opening Friday, celebrating the completion of the $60 million, 230,000-sqaure-foot building.
New Sangren replaces the old Sangren building, which was nearly 50 years old. It is headquarters to the College of Education and Human Development as well as the Department of Sociology.
In addition, the facility contains over 48 classrooms, a grants and research center and office space for different programs.
Over 400 individuals were in attendance Friday, including alumni, current students and faculty.
They were honored with a performance by the Bronco Marching Band, as well as speeches by WMU President John Dunn, WMU Board Trustee member Larry Tolbert, State Senator Tonya Schuitmaker and State Speaker of the House James Bolger.
“We are here to celebrate the new Sangren building, the Lee Honors College renovations, and that wonderful green mall outside,” said Dunn, “We recognize the impact that these renovations will have on the community around us, and the continued success of our current and future students.”
The celebration was sponsored as “Excellence Renewed,” an implication of the accomplishments of the University in the past and the continuation of those into the future.
Former and current Broncos were recognized by Dunn, whose success extended far beyond the classroom or university.
President Dunn’s speech went on to address the environmental and safety consciousness that the building was built with, the leadership of past alumni and faculty, and those who worked incredibly hard to complete the building on time.
Board Trustee Tolbert addressed the audience after Dunn, recognizing the building that has “raised the bar.”
“This building we are introducing is everything we hoped it would be, and more,” said Tolbert. “It is a building that will educate those who will teach the next generation of students.”
The meeting concluded with Dunn quoting Winston Churchill.
“We shape our buildings. Thereafter, they shape us.”
Print 
PDF
Loading ...