Larry Becker
Executive Director, University Relations
La Sierra University
Riverside, California
909-785-2460 voice
909-334-7175 cell
lbecker@lasierra.edu

Participants in the February 28 groundbreaking ceremony for La Sierra University's new science complex include: (from left) Jeffry Kaatz, vice president for advancement; Ella Simmons, provost/vice president for academic administration; Thaine B. Price, M.D., benefactor; Larry Geraty, La Sierra University president; and James Beach, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. (Photo by Michael J. Elderman)

A ceremonial groundbreaking for a new $12.5 million science complex at La Sierra University took place on the school’s campus Friday, February 28.

Set for construction between Palmer Hall and Cossentine Hall, two existing LSU buildings, the new Thaine B. Price Science Complex will complete the integration of instruction in biological, physical and health sciences into one academic complex on campus. The new 45,000-square-foot building will house classrooms, laboratories, and office space for two academic departments— Mathematics/Computer Science and Biology—currently located in other buildings on campus. The science complex project will also include significant renovation and re-equipping for Palmer Hall, La Sierra’s primary science building since the late 1940s, to house the university’s Physics and Chemistry departments. Cossentine Hall will continue to serve as a classroom complex for the science departments and other academic departments.

“The prospect of a new science building, technologically up to date, that will allow us to bring all the natural sciences together in one area on campus, is something that has been sorely needed for at least 25 years,” says Lawrence T. Geraty, Ph.D., La Sierra University president. “La Sierra University has always been strong in the natural sciences--not only with superb teaching, but increasingly with significant research as well. Traditionally, up to half our students enroll with the intention of doing a significant amount of their academic work in the sciences. Indeed, many of these students go on to professional training in the health sciences, if not in basic science. If we are to keep our pre-eminent position in science education we badly need this new building with new labs and research space, so it is exciting to see it happening—both for the professors and their students.”

Larry Geraty (left), La Sierra University president, and Thaine B. Price, M.D., lead gift donor, believe the new complex at La Sierra will give students a state-of-the-art setting to look at the sciences from a Christian perspective. (Photo by Michael J. Elderman)

Thaine B. Price, a retired physician living in Orange County, and member of La Sierra’s graduating class of 1949, has pledged a multi-million dollar lead gift for the science complex. Price has been a committed, longstanding supporter of La Sierra’s higher education activities and scholarships for current students.

“A benefactor is one who gives help. Helping has been what Dr. Thaine B. Price has done all his life,” Geraty says. “Dr. Price has distinguished himself in professional service as a surgeon as well as in a support for his alma mater.

“The future of science depends on openness,” says Price. “Progress in science, medicine and religion only comes when people have openness to research. I am impressed with the openness of discussion I see at La Sierra University.”

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