From Deseret News archives:
Sorenson gift to launch U. tech complex
Instead of an 18-hole, 11-acre golf course, which currently separates much of the medical and technological research and development happening at the U., Sorenson's donation sets the stage for a new four-building complex as well as at least a dozen intramural playing fields, including room for lacrosse and rugby matches, and possibly a new running track.
"We are always looking for ways in which to expand the intensity of the student experience," said U. President Michael K. Young. "We want to make the green space usable in the best way we can."
The donation, made public Saturday evening, is a large part of fund raising for the anchor of a new "interdisciplinary quadrangle" linking the upper and lower campus, as well as making possible the first of Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) initiative buildings on campus. Administrative offices for the $500 million statewide initiative are located downtown.
Lawmakers have pledged $100 million toward building the first 193,000 square-foot biomedical and neurosciences building, while Young said other donations are in place in addition to that of the Sorenson Legacy Foundation to make up all but $4 million of the $130 million construction cost.
The facility, which will house up to five of USTAR's world-renowned research teams, is expected to break ground either late spring or early fall next year and will take about 30 months to build. It will house laboratories for advanced imaging, neurosciences, nanotechnology and biomedical science research and will be called the James L. Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building.
The building, located at the southwest corner near Federal Way and Wasatch Drive, is the first in a planned 800,000 square-foot interconnected complex that will include expanded transit options expected to facilitate cooperation of disciplines across campus.
"At the end of the day, we are not only producing great knowledge but also producing the next generation of researchers," Young said, adding that research is critical to advancing education.
The land the golf course occupies is a commodity for the institution, while others in the state are grabbing at available purchases. Young sees it as an opportunity for the U. to add to the scope of Utah's higher education responsibilities, as well as using it to accomplish goals unique to the U.
"It's a very fitting way to recognize my father's life," Sorenson said. "He was always taking ideas and technology and working with the community to accomplish more."
The donation was one of many announced during the university's "Together We Reach" fund-raising campaign gala Saturday night.
E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com
Recent comments
Does it really matter how many holes there are? A round of gold is...
To: Just a 9-hole course | Oct. 27, 2008 at 1:38 p.m.
The golf course is just 9 holes, not 18 as written. Just count them.
Just a 9-hole course | Oct. 26, 2008 at 4:50 p.m.
"facilitate cooperation of disciplines across campus."
140
million...
Himself | Oct. 26, 2008 at 9:34 a.m.
The James LeVoy Sorenson Molecular Biotechnology Building will be located at the southwest corner near Federal Way and Wasatch Drive and will be the first of four interconnected buildings bringing together the activities of researchers from health sciences, engineering, science, business, law and other disciplines.
- Dixie campus briefs 1:10 a.m.
- Westminster campus briefs 1:09 a.m.
- UVU campus briefs 1:07 a.m.
- Utah Utes campus briefs 1:07 a.m.
- Visit to paradise nightmarish for Ags 12:32 a.m.
- Utes struggling to shake starts 12:31 a.m.
- Cougars' execution flawless 12:30 a.m.
- Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings 12:17 a.m.
- 3A football: Tigers pull away 12:12 a.m.
- Editorial: 'Immigrant' children needy 12:12 a.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
207 - Dirk does dirty work in Dallas
190 - Lobo suspended
171 - Speed has never been BYU's game
136 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
128 - House passes health care bill
111 - RSL rallies to advance
102 - Prep football: San Juan vs. S. Sevier
102 - Thousands protest health bill
100 - Provo company innovating engines
98
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
NASA's Stardust probe continues to bring new knowledge about the nature...
Nothing proposed would keep young adults from learning of the reality of sex,...
the only "decent" team we played we lost to? I guess that Air Force isn't a...
I am watching the game again, and it is awesome!!!
I can't help but laugh inside when I read comments from YBU/TCU fans who...
(from the independant) I like Dennis Miller.... and Bill Maher, although I...
As a BYU alumnus, I can't justify to myself ever donating another dollar to...
Not a chance. Don't get me wrong they are both studs, but if Asiata wasn't...
Titan Fan, sorry that some of your best players got hurt. I hope they...
So sad how fear based so many are.
Will the Jazz even make the playoffs this year. The way they are playing it...

