Florida Memorial University is moving ahead with campus expansion initiatives

Florida Memorial University is moving ahead with campus expansion initiatives

By Dr. Adriene B. Wright

     While it was one of the warmest days this summer and perhaps not the most ideal weather for an outdoor event, Florida Memorial University nonetheless celebrated. The occasion was a Groundbreaking ceremony held, Aug. 16 at its campus located in Miami Gardens, Fla to make way for the construction of a new Science Annex.

On hand for the event were dignitaries like alumna, District 102 State Representative Sharon Pritchard’s designee Michelle Scabarozi, members of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, Interim President, university administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, community friends and students. Board Chair, Charles George welcomed everyone and quoted Franklin D. Roosevelt regarding the university’s progress stating that: “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have so much; it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” Dr. Artis followed by stating that, “This development has been long in the making but I am elated to see it now coming to fruition. It is essential that our faculty have state of the art and world-class instructional facilities and that our students have sufficient resources to take on the academic rigors needed to prepare them to impact global challenges.”

The new Annex will be connected to the existing building by way of an open air connector. It will be an 8000 square foot, two story building and will feature a Chemistry Lab, Biology Lab, a General Lab, Lecture Room, Offices, Electrical/Mechanical Rooms and storage. Dr. Artis graciously acknowledged those who have helped to make the development possible including Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida who provided funding for the planning and design phase. The project’s construction costs are being funded through the U. S. Department of Education’s HBCU Capital Fund Program.

Florida Memorial University also has other capital projects in the works. The Science Annex is the first of two major construction projects planned for the 2013-14 academic year. Later this fall, the University will begin construction on a new Athletic and Wellness Facility as part of a multi-year plan to enhance campus facilities.

Located in the City of Miami Gardens, Florida Memorial University is a private, historically Black institution, offering 41 undergraduate degree programs and four graduate degree programs to a culturally diverse student body. Since its inception in 1879, the University has up-held a commitment to providing a solid foundation for thousands of young people and opening doors to educational opportunities that may have otherwise been closed to them. As South Florida’s only Historic-ally Black College or University (HBCU), it is widely recognized for being the birthplace of the Negro National Anthem, “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing.” Florida Memorial University is ac-credited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). For more information about FMU, visit www.fmuniv.edu.

For more information regarding the Ground Breaking ceremony, contact Adriene B. Wright at (305) 623-1443.