For more than 85 years, students have received a stellar science education at La Sierra University. Now the university has brought the facility up to par to match the education. For Fall 2006, the Thaine B. Price Science Complex is open for classes.

“The future of science depends on openness,” says Thaine B. Price, M.D., lead gift donor, retired physician and alumnus of the La Sierra University class of 1949. “Progress in science, medicine and religion only comes when people have openness to research. I am impressed with the openness of discussion I see at La Sierra University.”

“A new technologically up-to-date science building now allows us to bring all the natural sciences together in one area on campus, something that has been sorely needed for nearly 30 years,” says Lawrence T. Geraty, Ph.D., president. “La Sierra University has always been strong in the sciences and math — not only with superb teaching but increasingly with significant research. Traditionally, up to half our students enroll with the intention of going on to professional training in the health sciences, if not in basic science. It is exciting to see this building supporting students as they continue to learn from teachers with a Christian worldview in the context of the Seventh-day Adventist faith tradition.”

“I liked Palmer Hall, but it was so old,” says Edwin Santos, junior undecided major. “This is nice new equipment like a big university. It has the newest of everything available.”

“It is good to be using the new building,” says Eunyoung Jun, senior religion and pre-dental major. “Everything is very clean, so new. I like it.”

“It is money well spent,” says James Wilson, Ph.D., professor of biology. “The students are excited and impressed that people care to provide the best equipment and a great facility.”

“The main features are intimate learning, state-of-the-art facility and equipment and practical applications to the learning process that will aid students in their careers or professional schools,” says Natasha Dean, Ph.D., assistant professor of biology.

“From the department of mathematics and computer science standpoint, it is a dream come true,” says Vernon Howe, Ph.D., chair and professor mathematics and computer science. “We have student-oriented computer labs that are infinitely better, and we are excited to be near our science colleagues.”

The 48,000 square foot, $23 million Price Science Complex houses mathematics and computer science and biology and is broken into two pavilions.

G. David Jang Biology Pavilion

This pavillion is home to nine instructional labs, eight faculty research labs and offices, seminar rooms, as well as preparation, equipment, and stock rooms. A herbarium, specimen storage and radio isotope and vertebrate specimen research lab complete the facility.

Tolan-Tokiwa Mathematics and Computer Science Pavilion

This pavillion houses an instructional lab, an electronics research lab, and a research project lab as well as nine faculty offices, three high tech classrooms and a symposium conference room.

“Research in the sciences at La Sierra University not only involves faculty. To the institution’s credit, research involves undergraduate students in a significant way,” says Gary Bradley, Ph.D., professor of biology. “This has generated an excitement on campus. Barriers between students and faculty break down when both are part of a team doing meaningful experiments. Wherever these students go, whether to graduate or professional school, they are better prepared to be successful.”

The technology enhancements for the building are also cutting edge. They include the first virtual classroom that can stream and record class activities; the first Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) system on campus; and a robotics lab in Mathematics and Computer Science.

“It is the first building on campus entirely monitored by an environmental system that keeps track of lighting, AC and adjusts temperature, shutting it off on schedule,” says Samuel Young, M.B.A., chief information officer.

“We are grateful to our several hundred partners who have given to make this new science complex possible,” says Jeff Kaatz, D.M.A., vice president for advancement and university relations. “We are also excited about the upcoming remodeling of Palmer Hall that will enhance the chemistry and physics programs."