Donation kick-starts MCC's science center project
A sizable pledge from a local family has kick-started the fundraising campaign for McHenry County College's proposed $16.8 million science center.
The 31,670-square-foot, two-story center will be built next to Building E on the college's Crystal Lake campus off Route 14. It will include science labs, a cadaver lab, student resource lab, a lecture hall, two prep rooms, and a planetarium. It will be named the Liebman Science Center, in recognition of the donation by Charles and Mary Liebman. Officials would not disclose exactly how much the family contributed toward the project.
"We are extremely grateful for this gift by Charles Liebman and his family," MCC President Clint Gabbard said. "MCC's new Liebman Science Center will allow the college to continue providing the community with the highest of educational opportunities, all in a state-of-the-art learning environment that encourages collaboration and innovation among students and faculty."
The Liebmans also donated The Portrait in Print Collection to the Friends of MCC Foundation.
"As a citizen, I am delighted to participate in this effort," Liebman said. "I feel that community involvement in the college is a basic part of our responsibility."
The science center will support the college's existing science programs, such as biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, physics and engineering, and earth science. It also will support students who are enrolled in a number of health care degree programs, including nursing, occupational therapy assistant, health information technology, emergency medical technician, basic nursing assistant, patient care technician, and a new physical therapist assistant program beginning in 2017.
The $16.8 million project cost will be paid for through a combination of funds raised, college funds and student fees.
Construction is expected to begin in 2017 and continue through 2018. A steering committee has been established to manage the project's capital campaign, which officially will launch later this year. The committee comprising community leaders, board members, faculty, and employees will begin meeting in October for initial planning sessions.