Not long after my graduation and during my first year as an employee at Marywood, the campus was buzzing with excitement about the renovations occurring at the science building. Formerly known as Our Lady of Good Counsel Science Hall, the building was constructed during Marywood’s previous physical expansion in the 1950s and served as the primary science facility on campus since that time. With a new wing of classrooms and labs added in 1993, the Center for Natural and Health Sciences became a reality.

It was indeed a momentous occasion. A grand dedication ceremony was held on the Campus Green on October 15, 1993. Dr. Leon Lederman, a Nobel Prize-winning physicist and advocate of science educational reform, was the keynote speaker. At the time, we just thought we were celebrating a new building, but it was more than that; it was the gateway to another period of unprecedented growth.

Dr. Deborah Hokien recently gave me a personal tour of the new organic chemistry lab, which features environmentally-sound, energy-efficient, ductless hoods that isolate and trap chemical vapors to prevent ecological impact through release into the environment. Both students and faculty are excited about the new lab areas, made possible by a philanthropic contribution from Sanofi Pasteur. Benefactors who have established scholarships to aid students pursuing science degrees are imperative to Marywood’s momentum, as are alumni, who reflect Marywood’s mission in the world.

Much like that bright autumn day in 1993, this time in our history is another gateway moment. Marywood continues to “reach new heights” as a university, physically and programmatically. The Science Department, “ever growing,” has been a major part of that success.

Kind regards,

Sheryl Lynn Sochoka ’92
Editor