Grand opening of extension to Andrews Hall at Lake Campus draws state government leaders

The Wright State Lake Campus has raised the curtain on a major building project that features a new library and a simulation center for nursing students.

The grand opening of the extension to Andrews Hall on Oct. 10 attracted top state government officials as well as Wright State and local business and community leaders.

“I have always said that the Lake Campus is a true gem,” said Wright State President Cheryl B. Schrader. “The extension to Andrews Hall is the newest stone to shine on this campus. It also reinforces Lake Campus’ commitment to providing a quality education and for meeting the needs of students and employers from throughout our region.”

The 7,000-square-foot extension includes a 1,660-square-foot open concept library, the Nursing Simulation Learning Resource Center, a science education classroom and a science research lab.

Gretchen Rentz, Lake Campus coordinator for development and community relations, said the new Library and Technology Center is especially popular.

“Students are there all the time, from beginning to close,” Rentz said. “It really means a lot to see them in a space where they can go to learn and hang out.”

The Lake Campus celebrated to opening of an extension to Andrews Hall, which includes the Nursing Simulation Learning Resource Center, a new Library and Technology Center, a science education classroom and a science research lab. (Video by Kris Sproles / photos by Erin Pence)

The nursing simulation lab features multiple patient beds, manikins and a control room outfitted with computer and simulation technology.

Nursing student Isaac Buschur, of North Star, said it is a great space to work in and helps the students prepare for real-life clinical settings.

Nursing student Shelby Bohman, of Fort Loramie, said the simulation center enables students to practice skills for a variety of patients at the same time. For example, her class has been learning how to care for simulated diabetic patients who are dehydrated and have elevated blood pressure.

“Without the sim lab, things would be a little trickier in a clinical setting,” Bohman said. “…It really helps us gain that knowledge of what we need to be watching for with our patients.”

The Nursing Simulation Learning Resource Center provide more opportunities for students to get hands-on training.

The yearlong building project was funded by 12 donors and state appropriations.

Speaking at the grand opening ceremony, State Auditor Keith Faber, former president of the Ohio Senate, said the Lake Campus is a huge asset to the community in terms of jobs, economic development and changing lives.

An Ohio House resolution applauding the extension project was read by Dan Krane, interim dean of the Lake Campus. Randy Gardner, chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, presented a proclamation from his office to Schrader commemorating the extension project.

The new Library and Technology Center features an open concept area, study bays and huddle rooms.

Gardner said the Lake Campus is one of only three regional campuses in Ohio that have increased enrollment since 2008.

“The second best enrollment numbers in the state in the last 11 years in a regional campus is the Wright State Lake Campus,” said Gardner. “…We are more and more going to be looking to regional campuses to help our economy and workforce of the future.”