New Chemical Engineering Extension opens on Campus

Posted September 13, 2002


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 13, 2002 2002-09-10-ENG

New Chemical Engineering Extension opens on Campus

Chemical Engineering students at the University of Saskatchewan started
their classes this year in a brand new facility.

This afternoon, David Forbes, MLA for Saskatoon Idylwyld on behalf of
Learning Minister Jim Melenchuk and Claude Laguë, Dean of Engineering
officially opened the Chemical Engineering Extension. Ken Coates, Acting
Provost and Vice President, and Gordon Hill, Head of the Department of
Chemical Engineering also took part in the ceremony.

The teaching and research facility, made possible by a $13 million grant
from the Provincial Government, will improve the delivery of chemical
engineering education to University students. Construction of the 4,500
square meters building began in Spring 2000 and was completed last month.

Much of the new addition is dedicated to laboratory space. There are 21
laboratories, one pilot plant (containing five additional labs), one
computer design laboratory, and space for graduate students. The two biggest
labs are for undergraduate work while the others are allocated for research.

"We are very proud of the new facilities and are grateful for the funding
from the provincial government," said Dr. Coates. "Like all universities
today, we are facing stiff competition for students and faculty, but this
new learning centre allows us to offer ample research facilities,
state-of-the-art laboratories and new computer design space as part of the
university experience."

Dr. Laguë added, "I anticipate with the new research laboratories that
our research capabilities will increase significantly in the next few years.
These new facilities will be of invaluable assistance for our excellent
chemical engineering faculty in attracting high quality graduate students
and other research personnel."

"This project greatly enhances the research and teaching capacity of the
University of Saskatchewan," said David Forbes. "Breakthroughs in chemical
engineering continue to reshape the world's economy. This is a good
investment in students, in research and in the growth of the province."

The department has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1931.
Today, more than 115 undergraduate students are enrolled in classes, taught
by 10 different faculty members. Approximately 25 graduate students carry
out projects and coursework in the department as well. Chemical Engineering
was previously located in the Thorvaldson building.

Alumni at the 90th anniversary of the College attended the ribbon cutting
ceremony and participated in tours of the new facilities.

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For more information, please contact:

Claude Laguë
Dean, College of Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5273