University to Begin “Science Center Turns 50” Project
Since its opening in 1969, Clarkson University’s Cora and Bayard Clarkson Science Center has been THE common thread tying together the experiences of all Golden Knights. Through transformative leadership gifts from Karel Czanderna ’77 and Dan Shirkey ’80, and David Walsh ’67, Clarkson will begin an exciting expansion and renovation project that will ensure the Science Center continues to support innovative learning and cutting-edge research with life-long impact for students, faculty and industry partners, as well as continuing to contribute to the educational vibrancy of the region.
As the building enters its 50th year of operation, Karel Czanderna ’77 and Dan Shirkey ’80 have stepped forward to lead the expansion and renovation project, joining Dr. Bayard Clarkson, as co-chairs and founding members of the “Science Center Turns 50 Presidential Circle”. Their service to the University runs deep; Dr. Clarkson is a long-serving Board of Trustees member, including many years as chair, and Karel is a past trustee and former Vice Chair of the Board, as well as interim chair. The building is named for Dr. Clarkson and his mother, Cora.
The personal impact on Karel and Dan led them to step forward with a generous gift that will name the new Auditorium as well as endow an innovation fund for the Dean of Arts & Sciences with a special emphasis on physics. Dan Shirkey received an M.S. in Physics from Clarkson and met Karel in the Science Center. Karel’s first time in the Science Center was in 8th grade when her father Al moved into his new office and laboratory on the growing hill campus. Dr. Alvin Czanderna was a Physics Professor and research scientist at Clarkson from 1965–1978 and had Karel as a student in five classes. He also made a significant gift to support the much-needed renovation. Together, the Czanderna/Shirkey family, as first-generation Science Center users, and Dr. Bayard Clarkson, will be leading the campaign to renovate the building and prepare it to serve current and future generations of Golden Knights, with hopes of many more Clarkson leaders joining the “Science Center Turns 50 Presidential Circle”.
David Walsh ’67, was the first leadership donor to step forward to support the Science Center Turns 50 Project, and join the Presidential Circle. As a member of the School of Arts & Sciences Leadership Council for many years, and now as a current Clarkson University Trustee, David has been a driving force in building momentum towards beginning the Science Center renovation. The University has begun design work that will ensure that the space will be what Clarkson needs for the next five decades in terms of cutting-edge lab space, classrooms, administrative offices, and student gathering spaces.
Clarkson University President Anthony G. Collins praised the benevolence of the Czanderna/Shirkey and Walsh families and their decision to provide these gifts, “Clarkson’s Science Center has been a central part of student’s academic career for 50 years, and these generous contributions will ensure that faculty, staff, students and alumni will have a state-of-the-art home for the transformational education that Clarkson provides, for years to come.”
“This building was where my husband and I studied Physics and published research in the 1970s, strengthening our career journeys. By becoming co-chairs and founding members of the Presidential Circle, we are helping to ensure that future generations of Clarkson students have the same opportunity,” Karel Czanderna said.
“The Science Center means so much to me and my family, and I am honored to co-chair and found the Science Center Turns 50 Presidential Circle so we can update and renovate this building to continue to give students the best education possible,” Dr. Bayard Clarkson said.
“By ensuring these resources are put into the Clarkson infrastructure, we can continue to produce high-quality students who will make an impact on the world,” said David Walsh.
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