Company continues long partnership with South Dakota State University

3M, a worldwide diversified technology company that employs nearly 1,400 people in the state of South Dakota, has made a $250,000 investment in the Avera Health and Science Center at South Dakota State University.

Mike Magnuson and Mark Shoup of the Brookings 3M facility presented the gift to SDSU President David L. Chicoine and other university leaders on Friday, Feb. 11. Shoup is a 1995 mechanical engineering alumnus. As a student, Shoup studied chemistry in the lower level of the renovated portion of the facility.

Magnuson is manager of the Brookings 3M plant; Shoup is production manager for the Tape Converting Department at the Brookings facility.

The university will name a prominent chemistry laboratory after 3M in recognition of the company’s leadership gift.

“This gift from the 3M Foundation is not only an important investment in our facility, it is an important philosophical investment in science,” said Dr. James Rice, head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at SDSU. “South Dakota has very few chemical industries and this gift gives our students a very clear vision into a career path for those who major in chemical molecular sciences.

 “It shows that 3M values and is willing to invest in the long-term education and commitment to students who are interested in a career in science,” Rice said.

“3M is pleased to invest in SDSU and to support efforts to prepare students for future success,” said Bob MacDonald, president of the 3M Foundation. “It is important that all students have an understanding of science, and we are excited that students from all disciplines will benefit from courses in this building.”

President Chicoine thanked the company’s local leaders for 3M’s long-standing partnership with SDSU. Nearly 200 SDSU graduates have worked or continue to work for 3M.

“We rely on these partnerships to move the university forward and expand our capabilities in the health sciences,” Chicoine said. “3M’s investment will have a long-range impact on our campus, the city of Brookings and the state of South Dakota.”

3M built its plant in Brookings in 1968. It now employs more than 700 people.

The 3M Chemistry Laboratory is dedicated to general chemistry, including courses required for pre-nursing, pre-engineering, pre-med, pre-dentistry and pre-allied health.  The laboratory is used from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. most every day and serves nearly 400 students every week.

The Avera Health and Science Center is a 144,600-square-foot facility that serves as home to the College of Pharmacy and the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. It provides instructional classrooms and laboratories for undergraduate education, along with laboratory space for graduate and faculty researchers. The building was dedicated in September 2010.

The Avera Health and Science Center is a project of It Starts with STATE: A Campaign for South Dakota State University. The facility was made possible by a $15 million investment by Avera Health. The comprehensive campaign aims to raise $200 million over a six-year period (2007-12). It is the largest fundraising campaign ever in the state of South Dakota.

When completed in July, the Avera Health and Science Center will provide nearly 145,000 square feet of modern instructional and research lab and support space, enabling world-class science and education. Included in the complex will be 97,000 square feet of instructional laboratories, classrooms and faculty office space. Additionally, a complete renovation of the 48,600-square-foot Shepard Hall will result in cutting-edge research and laboratory space.

The new Avera Health and Science Center reflects SDSU’s commitment to investing in modern, well-equipped facilities. The South Dakota Board of Regents has committed $24 million in student fees to the project.

A lead private investment of $15 million from Avera Health will cover a significant portion of the $18 million in needed private funds. Numerous teaching and research spaces are available for sponsorship opportunities with the Center.

To learn more about Giving Opportunities for the Avera Health and Science Center,
please contact:

Stacey Kutil
Development Director
College of Pharmacy
stacey.kutil@sdsufoundation.org
605-366-3618 (mobile)
888-747-7378 (toll free)

or

Rina Reynolds
Development Director
College of Arts and Sciences
rina.reynolds@sdsufoundation.org
605-695-7378 (mobile)
888-747-7378 (toll free)