Leadership from the community college, University of Iowa, Grant Wood AEA and the Clear Creek Community School District to speak
Cedar Rapids, Iowa (September 30, 2015)-Kirkwood Community College will celebrate the grand opening of the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa on Thursday, October 8, at 2:30 p.m. with partners, the University of Iowa (UI) and Grant Wood Area Education Agency (GWAEA).
The event will be held at 2301 Oakdale Boulevard in Coralville, just east of the National Advanced Driving Simulator (NADS). President Mick Starcevich of Kirkwood, Interim President Jean Robillard from the University of Iowa, Clear Creek Amana Superintendent Tim Kuehl and Chief Administrator Joe Crozier with GWAEA will speak beginning at 3 p.m. The public and news media are invited to attend.
The regional center is a unique partnership centered on STEM education and other technical careers. Students can earn college credit to pursue college and postgraduate degrees and make connections with area employers. STEM education for teachers is also offered at this location through GWAEA.
“K-12 students now have the opportunity to spend half-days enrolled in UI or Kirkwood STEM-related career academies, liberal arts and other classes at the center,” said Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa Director Jon Weih. “Their experience is augmented by linkages between the center and technology based companies in the UI research park, as well as with UI specialty centers like UI Hospitals and Clinics, the State Hygienic Laboratory, NADS, the Flood Center and the Center for Computer Aided Design.”
The 100,000 square foot facility, designed by OPN Architects and built by Ryan Companies, is being LEED certified and uses LED lighting, geothermal HVAC and a host of other high efficiency techniques to minimize costs. Landscaping elements around the parking lot are designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff.
“The Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa is situated on 10 acres of land with the rear windows facing north to panoramic views,” said Tom Kaldenberg, Kirkwood’s associate vice president of Facilities and Security. “Solar panels on the south are positioned well to convert sunlight to electricity.”
In addition to GWAEA being housed at the center, the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN) is also located inside the facility. ICAN helps students plan for college, providing guidance about scholarships and financial aid.
*****GRAND OPENING*****
What: Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting at the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
Where: 2301 Oakdale Boulevard in Coralville
When: Thursday, October 8
Time: 1:30 p.m. (Media Tours); 2:30 – 5 p.m. (Program at 3 p.m.)
Who: Free and Open to the Public