MORGAN OPENS NEW SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER

- Facility is Unique in the State of Maryland -

Morgan State University is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new science research facility. The $23.3-million Richard N. Dixon Science Research Center officially opened on Friday, October 17, 2003 with an 11:30 A.M. ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"This new center is a vital part of my vision for moving Morgan into a new era as one of this state's premier research universities," said President Earl S. Richardson. "It is going to help us do an even better job of producing young scientists, mathematicians and other professionals capable of making a valuable contribution to our society."

The Dixon Science Research Center includes state-of-the-art laboratories that will allow faculty and students to perform important research in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics. The center also boasts a Class 1000 Clean Room, the only one of its kind at any university in the state of Maryland, according to Dr. T. Joan Robinson, dean of the School of Computer, Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

"This center will undoubtedly enhance the research capacity and capabilities at Morgan," says Dr. Robinson. "It will also allow researchers to integrate valuable information across the disciplines of biology, chemistry, computer science, bioenvironmental sciences, mathematics and physics."

The facility includes 26 research laboratories, a state-of-the-art greenhouse and a 100-seat amphitheater/lecture hall with a direct, overhead bridge connecting the new building with the old science building, Spencer Hall. Construction of the 3-story, 48,500 square foot center began in 2002 and was completed in late summer of 2003.

Located on Cold Spring Lane at the east end of the campus, the new facility is on the site of the now-demolished Memorial Refectory. The building is named in honor of former State Treasurer Richard N. Dixon, a 1960 graduate of Morgan State University, who was present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a coeducational institution offering more than 60 academic programs leading to bachelor's degrees as well as programs at the master's and doctoral levels. As Maryland's public urban university, Morgan serves a multi-ethnic and multi-racial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information on Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.