PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – A dedication ceremony for the newest building on The University of Maryland Eastern Shore was held Wednesday morning. The Aviation & Engineering Science Complex is a 166,000 square foot facility that cost $102 million dollars to build.
Several speakers addressed those in attendance, including senior Marquise Johnson, who has always dreamed of becoming an aerospace engineer.
"When we get into Boeing lab or NASA labs,” Marquise said. “We'll know what we're doing with the equipment and not be like a deer in the headlights."
Johnson says this new facility will help put students on par with those who study at more prestigious schools for engineering and aviation.
This is the first classroom building to built in more than 10 years. The last building was erected in 2005. Dr. Juliette Bell, UMES President, called today’s ceremony a special moment for students and faculty.
"It gives us an opportunity to bring our STEM programs under one roof.” She said, It allows us to engage in research and teaching in a state of the art building."
As part of the ceremony, The Richard A. Henson Foundation presented a check for $1 million. The gift will be focused on students in the honors program.
The building has four flight simulators, two of which are brand new as well as a three-story atrium, a radio and TV studio and a full-service snack bar.
It relies on 250 geothermal wells for heating and cooling. School officials say it anticipates the building will be LEED certified in the near future.
