Stockton Dedicates New Unified Science Center

The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey dedicated its $39.5 million Unified Science Center in ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the main Galloway campus here Wednesday.

The 66,350-square-foot, three-story facility expands Stockton’s School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NAMS), which graduates 20 percent of all the math and science majors in New Jersey - more than any other state college or university.

“Stockton’s distinctive Natural Sciences and Mathematics programs attract many more very qualified prospective students than the college has been able to admit,” President Saatkamp noted.

“With the Unified Science Center providing eight new classrooms, 28 teaching and research labs and state-of-the-art scientific instruments and equipment, the college will be even more of a choice institution as well as a launching pad for future scientists and mathematicians,” said President Saatkamp.

The building was designed by EYP, a global research and design firm known for its sustainable design and research in energy efficiency.  Sustainable construction methods and materials were incorporated in the Unified Science Center’s design, which

utilizes the college’s existing Geothermal system of heating and cooling on campus.

• The exterior of the building was designed to realize harmonious environmental relationships with the sun and prevailing winds, according to EYP. The size, configuration and locations of windows in conjunction with vertical and horizontal sunshades and deep building overhangs will optimize thermal performance while maximizing usable daylight.
• The design allows for daylight access and views in as many areas of the building as possible to increase space quality and energy savings.
• With Stockton College’s strong history of innovation relating to the installation of Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) systems, the new science building will provide the opportunity to expand the use of this technology on campus. As an alternative to conventional heating and cooling, GSHP is an energy- efficient, cost-effective system that enables Stockton to continue its role as a leader in the reduction of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.
• High efficiency restroom fixtures were integrated into the design, resulting in 30 percent water reduction from the baseline standard.
• Occupancy sensors, used in all public and laboratory spaces, will turn lights off in a given area, when a space is not in use, resulting in large energy savings.

“With the opening of the Unified Science Center, the college's teaching and research laboratories made a quantum leap from rehabilitated early 1980s facilities to 21st century cutting-edge facilities with equipment to match,” said Dean Dennis Weiss of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.

The 11:15 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony included remarks by President Saatkamp, Curtis Bashaw, president of the college Board of Trustees, Dr. Harvey Kesselman, provost and executive vice president of the college, Dean Weiss, Assemblywoman DiAnne Gove and Assemblyman Brian Rumpf of the 9th District, Deputy Secretary Gregg Edwards, of the New Jersey Department of Higher Education, Dr. Rodger Jackson, president of the Stockton Faculty Senate and associate professor of Philosophy, and Maribeth Capelli, president of the Stockton Student Senate.

The Unified Science Center also includes $525,000 in striking artwork tied to the building’s environmental and scientific purpose, including:

• A $200,000 Water Molecule sculpture by artist Larry Kirkland (located outside of building facing Campus Center);
• The Wave, a $125,000 hanging colored glass installation by artist Ray King (hangs from ceiling of 2nd floor);
• Sun Sails, a $200,000 colored glass installation by Ray King (above rear entrance of building facing the Sports Center.)

State law requires spending up to 1.5 percent of the construction cost of publicly funded buildings on public art. The required funding does not come from tuition sources.

The Unified Science Building is located adjacent to the college’s new Campus Center and the Sports Center. A $28.6 million planned addition to the science center has been approved by the New Jersey Legislature to receive bond funds, as recommended by the state Department of Education. Voters approved the “Building Our Future” bond act for public and private colleges and universities to upgrade academic and research facilities last November.

Stockton also commemorated the Campus Center’s LEED® Gold certification at Wednesday’s ceremonies.

Established by the U.S. Green Building Council and verified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

Stockton’s 154,000-square-foot Campus Center, which opened in 2011, achieved this internationally recognized gold certification for energy use, lighting, water and material use as well as incorporating a variety of other sustainable strategies.

— News release from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey