Cornell College students stepped into their new science building for classes Monday morning.
It took workers about 18 months to build Russell Science Center which is the first new academic building constructed on campus in about 40 years. The 4-story building also contains labs, faculty offices, student study rooms, and gathering spaces. It was named in recognition of a lead gift from Cornell Trustee and alumna Jean Russell who welcomed students into the building Monday morning.
"[I'm] excited, just as all the faculty and students are. [I'm] just really a little bit overwhelmed because we know it's coming, but to actually see it in use now is just fantastic," Jean Russell, Cornell alumna and lead donor, said.
The building is part of a $35 million Science Facilities Project, which also includes the renovation of two other academic buildings on campus. It's funded completely through donations. Cornell will officially dedicate Russell Science Center next fall.