CHAPEL HILL – The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill today (Oct. 12) formally dedicated a new building devoted to innovative global education efforts and catalyzing
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“We knew when we began planning this building that we wanted it to be a major statement about Carolina and all we envision for it to be in the 21st century,” UNC Chancellor James Moeser said at the dedication ceremony. “Bold. Innovative. A symbol of progress and change for our University, the people of
Funded by sources including the 2000 Higher Education Bond Referendum and private gifts, including $5 million from FedEx Corp., the center now houses student and faculty services, academic instruction, research, study abroad and cultural exchange.
Today’s dedication was part of annual University Day events. In addition to Moeser, speakers at the dedication ceremony included Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Corp.; UNC juniors LyTonya and Tamryn Fowler, identical twin sisters from Graham who spoke about their student experiences; UNC Trustee Chair Roger Perry; Dave Bronczek, president and chief executive officer of FedEx Express; and UNC Trustee Alston Gardner, a key donor and volunteer who has championed efforts to enhance global education at Carolina.
Moeser said the center represented
The building and the academic activities it houses also represent the University’s commitment to serve
The four-story, 80,000 square-foot building includes classrooms, offices, a 256-seat auditorium and exhibit space. The $39 million facility was designed by architect Andrea Leers of Leers Weinzapfel Associates in
Offices housed at the center include those for study abroad, the
Among academic programs based in the center are the curricula in international and area studies, in comparative literature, and in peace, war and defense. The University participates in numerous academic exchange programs for students with campuses in other countries. Recently,
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An exhibit at the center, “Women Empowered,” features photographer Phil Borges’ portraits of women in remote parts of the world who have worked to alleviate poverty in their communities. The exhibit, which is free and open to public, was made possible in part by
Students, faculty and staff moved into the building last spring, but, as is the custom with noteworthy events in the university’s history, its formal dedication was saved for
For more information about the center and international activities at UNC, visit http://international.unc.edu.
University Day news release: http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/sep07/uday091207.html
FedEx Corp. gift news release: http://www.unc.edu/news/archives/may06/fedex052306.htm