The University of North Dakota marked two significant milestones for its campus infrastructure, celebrating the grand reopening of the historic Merrifield Hall and breaking ground on a new STEM Complex. Both projects, supported by state funding and private donations, aim to enhance the educational experience for thousands of students in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Mines.
Key Takeaways
- The University of North Dakota held ceremonies for two major campus projects on the same day.
- The newly renovated Merrifield Hall, a central building for nearly all students, is now complete.
- Construction has begun on a new STEM Complex, with Phase 1 expected to be finished by summer 2027.
- The STEM Complex will serve over 6,000 students and foster collaboration between engineering and arts and sciences.
- Both projects received significant financial support from the North Dakota Legislature and private donors.
Dual Milestones Signal Campus Growth
The University of North Dakota campus was active with celebration and anticipation as officials commemorated the completion of one major project and the start of another. The events highlighted a period of significant investment in the university's facilities, following years of planning and securing financial support.
On Friday, September 19, university leaders, state representatives, and members of the campus community gathered first for the groundbreaking of the new STEM Complex and later for the official reopening of Merrifield Hall. Speakers at both events included UND President Andrew Armacost and Dean Brad Rundquist of the College of Arts and Sciences.
A Shift in State Support
According to Rep. Mark Sanford, R-Grand Forks, the current investments reflect a renewed commitment from the state. He recalled a 2014 review that identified billions of dollars in deferred maintenance across the North Dakota University System, followed by 750 staff reductions in 2017. Sanford noted that the environment has since changed, with increased legislative understanding and willingness to fund necessary facility upgrades for higher education.
A New Hub for Science and Engineering
Construction has officially commenced on the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Complex, a facility designed to promote interdisciplinary learning. The complex is being built on the former site of the Hyslop Sports Center, which was demolished in early August.
Fostering Interdisciplinary Collaboration
The new building will be a shared space for students and faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Engineering and Mines. DeAnna Carlson Zink, CEO of the UND Alumni Association and Foundation, stated that the facility will serve more than 6,000 students, which accounts for over 40% of the entire UND student body.
"The new STEM Complex will carry forward that legacy, starting a new legacy on this campus that will bring together those students, faculty, alumni and industry partners in a great space designed for innovation, collaboration and discovery," said Carlson Zink.
Ryan Adams, Dean of the College of Engineering and Mines, emphasized the project's strategic importance. He noted that his college is the largest at UND and the largest engineering college in both North and South Dakota. The STEM Complex was conceived after previous renovation plans were deemed insufficient to meet the college's growing needs.
Adams described the project as setting UND apart by enabling "unprecedented levels of collaboration across traditional disciplinary boundaries."
STEM Complex Timeline and Scope
- Location: Former Hyslop Sports Center grounds.
- Phase 1 Completion: Expected by Summer 2027.
- Student Impact: Will serve over 6,000 students.
- Primary Colleges: College of Arts and Sciences and College of Engineering and Mines.
Preserving History in Merrifield Hall
While one building began its journey, another celebrated its renewal. Merrifield Hall, a cornerstone of the UND campus, officially reopened after an extensive renovation project that began around 2019.
Brad Rundquist, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, highlighted the building's central role in student life. He explained that nearly 100% of on-campus students take classes in Merrifield Hall at some point, making it a familiar place for almost every UND student and alumnus.
Balancing Modernization and Heritage
The renovation was carefully planned to modernize the facilities while preserving the historical character that alumni cherished. Rundquist admitted he was nervous about the project due to its importance to the university community but expressed his satisfaction with the final result.
"I hope you feel the same way as you walk around today and take a look at the building," Rundquist said. "It’s been a long time coming."
President Andrew Armacost described Merrifield Hall as a "beacon over the campus." He stressed that the project successfully retained the building's essential character while integrating modern design elements that reflect the university's identity.
"It represents a place where many of our students gather, our faculty gather to learn, to learn what it means to be human, to learn how to interact, to learn to communicate," Armacost stated.
The dual events underscore a forward-looking vision for the University of North Dakota, one that invests in state-of-the-art facilities for future innovation while honoring the institution's rich history and traditions.
