Elmhurst University officially celebrated the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on October 3.

The 45,000-square-foot space is a multidisciplinary hub for learning and innovation. It houses Elmhurst University’s departments of Nursing, Public Health, Occupational Therapy and Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Crowned with more than 300 photovoltaic solar panels on the roof, and designed and constructed according to stringent environmental sustainability standards, the building also was awarded LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“I could not be more gratified by how our trustees, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, students, the City of Elmhurst and other stakeholders came together to support this project at every step, from fundraising to finish line,” President Troy D. VanAken said to a crowd from the campus and the community, including Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin.

In addition to classrooms and offices, the new building is home to:

• A 360-degree, immersive virtual-reality lab—the first of its kind in Midwest—where students practice procedures in real-world settings such as an operating room or the back of an ambulance;
• Simulation labs with “high-fidelity” patient simulators that can breathe, sweat, have seizures, respond to medical interventions and much more;
• A comprehensive Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic where students work with clients of all ages from nearby communities;
• An occupational therapy “apartment” where students practice helping people with mobility issues reengage with daily-living activities;
• And the Jans Family Military and Veterans Center, a resource center and gathering space for student veterans and active-duty military students

“Although stunning, this space is far more than a beautiful structure—it is a place where future health care leaders will be trained, where research will thrive, and where our school’s commitment to interprofessional education will continue to evolve,” said Heather Hall, dean of the School of Health Sciences. “This building will serve as a hub for collaboration, academic excellence and community engagement. It will empower our students to lead with knowledge and compassion, and strengthen our connection to those we serve.”

The Health Sciences Building is the campus’s first new building in nearly 20 years. Construction was completed in less than two years, with the building opening in time for the start of fall classes in August.

“It’s hard to think of professions that have more of a positive impact on the broader community than those in health care,” President VanAken said. “I’m so proud that Elmhurst University can play an important role in giving future health care professionals the kind of high-quality, cutting-edge educational experience that will lead to better patient care and a healthier world.”