rhoadesscienceexteriorValley City, N.D.  (KCSi-T.V. News Oct 4, 2013)  —   Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley Friday joined state officials, and Valley City State University President Steve Shirley, faculty, staff, and students for the Rhoades Science Center dedication. The Center, which focuses on STEM education, underwent a $10.3 million renovation, including a new addition, using an allocation from the 2011 legislative session.

Held indoors because of the weather, the ribbon-cutting crowd of more than 200 filled Rhoades 102 and an overflow room, where guests watched the ceremony via live video.

Wrigley said, “The STEM education and training happening in the Rhoades Science Center will open doors for countless bright, young students.  Wrigley North Dakota offers more career opportunities now than ever before.  While our success is no accident, there is no guarantee it will continue forever without the right policy choices.  By prioritizing the passionate and well-educated people joining our workforce, we are taking the right steps to help ensure the future.”

Originally constructed in 1973, the Rhoades Science Center renovation project included a complete interior remodel and a 27,000 square foot addition to the building’s south side. The building houses the Great Plains STEM Education Center, math, science, technology, engineering, health and physical education, as well as VCSU’s Information Technology Center. There is also general classroom space, a greenhouse, a planetarium, and laboratories.

To the extent possible, the design and construction of the building followed standards set forth by the United States Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).