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Med School funding approved in Pierre
Bill 1024 supports $1.8M for construction, school still $2M short
By Erin Oliver
Published: Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Article Tools: Page 1 of 1
Media Credit: Travis Rhoades
Research Associate Jessica Freeling works in a medical lab shared by three faculty members. The room was previously used for classes before construction.
With Bill 1024 signed by the governor on March 22, USD President Jim Abbott said he can assure students they will not be assessed the $2 million still needed to finish the renovation and reconstruction of the Lee Medicine and Science Hall.
Instead, Abbott said old furnishings will be used until the money is raised.
Bill 1024 will provide $1.8 million from the state's general fund to the Board of Regents for the medical school construction.
It passed the House on Feb. 16 in a 60-7 vote and the Senate on March 1 in a 31-2 vote.
Sen. Ben Nesslehuff, who voted for 1024, said he wasn't surprised to see the bill make it to the governor's desk, and called the bill an important success for the medical school which faced losing accreditation due to the inability to renovate or reconstruct facilities.
Having an accredited medical school in South Dakota is the best way to keep native South Dakota doctors practicing in the state, Nesslehuff said.
Student Government Association President Matt Hammer said he was pleased to see the bill signed by the governor.
"It is a sign of good faith," Hammer said. "It shows that they really are trying to help out with higher education and that they're looking at working towards improving education in South Dakota."
Sophomore Erin Blatchford agreed. She said the state funding is an added bonus for both the university and students, who were once threatened with picking up the tab.
"It benefits the outlook of the campus and brings more students in," Blatchford said of the project.
Twelve and a half million of the initial $32 million needed for the project was raised as a part of Campaign South Dakota with the help of the USD Foundation.
The School of Medicine worked with the USD Foundation to combine the medical school's fund and alumni affairs with the USD Fund and Alumni Affairs.
Part of that agreement entails the hiring and employment of a USD School of Medicine major gift person, though Dean of Basic Biomedical Sciences Ron Lindahl said he could not confirm the plans to hire.
To finish the funding, Lindahl said the medical school is looking for the additional $2 million from any sources, including donations from alumni and friends, the federal government and grants. He said naming opportunities are still available.
"I'm confident we can find the money," Lindahl said. "It would just be nice if we knew where it was already. If we can't find $2 million in three and a half years then we deserve to have to move broken down furniture into that new building. That will be our penalty."
Med School funding approved in Pierre
Bill 1024 supports $1.8M for construction, school still $2M short
By Erin Oliver
Published: Wednesday, March 23, 2005
Article Tools: Page 1 of 1
Media Credit: Travis Rhoades
Research Associate Jessica Freeling works in a medical lab shared by three faculty members. The room was previously used for classes before construction.
With Bill 1024 signed by the governor on March 22, USD President Jim Abbott said he can assure students they will not be assessed the $2 million still needed to finish the renovation and reconstruction of the Lee Medicine and Science Hall.
Instead, Abbott said old furnishings will be used until the money is raised.
Bill 1024 will provide $1.8 million from the state's general fund to the Board of Regents for the medical school construction.
It passed the House on Feb. 16 in a 60-7 vote and the Senate on March 1 in a 31-2 vote.
Sen. Ben Nesslehuff, who voted for 1024, said he wasn't surprised to see the bill make it to the governor's desk, and called the bill an important success for the medical school which faced losing accreditation due to the inability to renovate or reconstruct facilities.
Having an accredited medical school in South Dakota is the best way to keep native South Dakota doctors practicing in the state, Nesslehuff said.
Student Government Association President Matt Hammer said he was pleased to see the bill signed by the governor.
"It is a sign of good faith," Hammer said. "It shows that they really are trying to help out with higher education and that they're looking at working towards improving education in South Dakota."
Sophomore Erin Blatchford agreed. She said the state funding is an added bonus for both the university and students, who were once threatened with picking up the tab.
"It benefits the outlook of the campus and brings more students in," Blatchford said of the project.
Twelve and a half million of the initial $32 million needed for the project was raised as a part of Campaign South Dakota with the help of the USD Foundation.
The School of Medicine worked with the USD Foundation to combine the medical school's fund and alumni affairs with the USD Fund and Alumni Affairs.
Part of that agreement entails the hiring and employment of a USD School of Medicine major gift person, though Dean of Basic Biomedical Sciences Ron Lindahl said he could not confirm the plans to hire.
To finish the funding, Lindahl said the medical school is looking for the additional $2 million from any sources, including donations from alumni and friends, the federal government and grants. He said naming opportunities are still available.
"I'm confident we can find the money," Lindahl said. "It would just be nice if we knew where it was already. If we can't find $2 million in three and a half years then we deserve to have to move broken down furniture into that new building. That will be our penalty."
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