Construction is slated to begin in June for the $55.7 million, three-story Plant Science Building, thanks to unanimous final approvals from the University of Vermont (UVM) Board of Trustees during its meetings Sept. 8-10.

Sited near the UVM greenhouse, Stafford and Aiken Buildings, the building will be home to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) plant biology and plant and soil sciences departments. It will support a number of UVM's priorities and will become a strong first impression of the campus for those approaching from the east along Main Street.

"After more than a decade of planning, the Plant Science Facility will open in about 29 months, thanks to the unwavering support of President Dan Fogel and Provost John Hughes," said CALS Dean Rachel Johnson announcing the decision "I also thank former CALS Dean and UVM Provost John Bramley for championing this project throughout his years of service to the college and university.

Johnson observed that the trustees' action demonstrates a remarkable level of support for the College whose enrollment, student credit hours taught, research dollars awarded and outreach programs have increased steadily over the past years. "Many people have devoted countless hours planning this project," she added, "including: Don Foss, Mike Vayda and Skip Fanus from the CALS Dean's Office; Tom Vogelmann from Plant Biology and Deb Neher from Plant and Soil Sciences; Bob Vaughan, Myron Wheeler and Paula Carlaccini from the Capital Management Office; Karen Meyer, Gretchen Babcock and Melody Burkins from the Federal, State and Community Relations Office; Mike Gower from Finance and Administration and Howard Lincoln from Development and Alumni Relations. Also, Chair David Marvin and the CALS Board of Advisors patiently championed the project. I am grateful to all of the

By March 2010, the building is expected to meet "silver level" LEED certification and UVM policies for sustainable design. A $1 million gift from the Lintilhac Foundation, overseen by Crea and Phil Lintilhac, launched the fundraising for this project. Donation opportunities of every scope surround the construction and equipment of this cutting-edge life science facility. For details contact Howard Lincoln at Howard.Lincoln@uvm.edu or 802-656-2509.