Simpson Breaks Ground for $10.5 Million Library Renovation

Simpson College held a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, May 20, to celebrate the official launch of an ambitious renovation project at Dunn Library.

The $10.5 million initiative will produce a new home for Simpson’s teacher education program and offer more collaborative learning spaces and educational resources for students. The reimagined space is made possible in large part by the generosity of faithful Simpson donors.

“In 2016, we began raising funds for this project as part of our Imagine the Impact Campaign,” said Board of Trustees member Terry Lillis ’77, who served as campaign co-chair with board colleague Barb Miller ’64. “It’s wonderful to officially start the first of what we believe will be many campus building projects in the next few years.”

Students in Simpson’s teacher education program will benefit from a new curriculum lab, classrooms, shared workspaces, meeting rooms and more. The enhancements will create an ideal environment for innovative lesson development and methods classrooms simulating today’s best K-12 teaching.

“I want to thank my faculty colleagues in teacher education for the endless hours of planning you have given to this project,” said Dr. Chad Timm ’95, chair of teacher education at Simpson. “Your input has been invaluable in setting the stage for what education will look like in the next 25 years.”

Simpson’s summer projects also include a total makeover of the Alvin L. Jordan Lecture Hall in Carver Science Center. Additionally, athletics will complete several facility and field upgrades over the next several months.

“It’s going to be a busy summer at the College,” said Board Chair Terry Handley ’09. “And looking ahead, we look forward to making additional investments to ensure the Simpson experience lives up to its esteemed reputation.”

“Our commitment to enhancing academic programs and facilities is just beginning,” said President Kelliher. “We will continue to pursue collaborative and innovative excellence across campus to best serve our students.”