"The Simon family's remarkable vision will enable Indiana University to significantly enhance basic research on our Bloomington campus. The collaborative research facilitated by the Simons' generosity will dramatically distinguish our work in the life sciences and advance our pursuit of new knowledge," said IU President Adam W. Herbert.
The gift is from Melvin and Bren Simon, Herbert and Bui Simon, David E. and Jackie Simon, Deborah J. Simon, and Cynthia Simon Skjodt and Paul Skjodt. Melvin Simon and Herbert Simon are the co-chairmen and David Simon is the chief executive officer of Simon Property Group Inc., a Standard & Poor's 500 company. Simon Property Group is a real estate investment trust that owns and manages income-producing properties, primarily regional malls and community shopping centers throughout the country.
"Indiana has been our family's home for more than 40 years, and we are pleased to play a major role in furthering scientific excellence and research capabilities in our state through construction of this new building on the Indiana University campus in Bloomington," said David E. Simon on behalf of the Simon family members.
Construction of the $55.7 million research building that has been known as the Multidisciplinary Science Building Phase I (MSB I) will begin with a June 3 ceremonial groundbreaking at its future site north of Myers Hall. Construction is expected to be completed in 2007. The building will house researchers in chemistry, biology, psychology and physics.
"Through the Simon family's generosity, Simon Hall will become the reality the College needs it to be, a cutting edge multidisciplinary facility," said IUB Col
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Contact: David Bricker
brickerd@indiana.edu
812-856-9035
Indiana University
8-Apr-2004