Elmhurst University Celebrates New Building

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst University officials last week formally marked the opening of the Health Sciences Building. Students started using it this semester.

The structure is 45,000 square feet, which officials previously said would cost $30 million. It houses the nursing, public health, occupational therapy, and communication sciences and disorders departments.

It is crowned with more than 300 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, and designed and constructed according to stringent environmental standards, a university news release said.

The release said the building is home to:

• A 360-degree, immersive virtual-reality lab—the first of its kind in Midwest – where students practice procedures in real-world settings such as an operating room or an ambulance.
• Simulation labs with "high-fidelity" patient simulators that can breathe, sweat, have seizures and respond to medical interventions.
• A comprehensive speech-language-hearing clinic where students work with clients of all ages from nearby communities.
• An occupational therapy "apartment" where students practice helping people with mobility issues reengage with daily-living activities.
• The Jans Family Military and Veterans Center, a resource center and gathering space for student veterans and active-duty military students.

"I could not be more gratified by how our trustees, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, students, the City of Elmhurst and other stakeholders came together to support this project at every step, from fundraising to finish line," President Troy VanAken said in the news release.

The new Health Sciences Building is 45,000 square feet. Officials previously said it would cost $30 million. (Courtesy of Elmhurst University)