Buzz Hoagland, Ph.D., has been interested in biological imaging for many years. So his recent financial contribution to the University, which helped to purchase a fluorescent microscope for the new Science and Innovation Center, supports his passion and promotes the work of students.
“This kind of equipment is essential to prepare students for the current and future job markets,” says Dr. Hoagland, chair of the Biology Department, noting the generous gift is one way he has to give back to Westfield State.
The University has made annual improvements to the infrastructure of the campus, however the science center will be the first new academic building to be constructed in over 40 years. The $33 million science center will house laboratories for all science concentrations, including a nursing suite, and is slated to open in the fall of 2016. Dr. Hoagland said it’s his department’s goal to also procure for the center several additional fluorescent microscopes, at $45,000 each, as well as GPS units and equipment that will allow students to measure and examine DNA.
His gift and others made to the Westfield State University Foundation, Inc. were celebrated in May at the Foundation’s second annual student achievement Gala with the theme, “Pathways to Excellence.” In addition to partnering on fundraising for the Science Center initiative, the Foundation also supports student scholarships and program initiatives, and the Gala is its key annual fundraiser, this year bringing in over $100,000 in gifts.
“This is just the beginning of engaging our partners in our quest to raise the funds and develop the partnerships we will need to maximize the Science and Innovation Center,” says Lisa McMahon, assistant director of Advancement and University Relations.
To support the Science Center initiative, or the Foundation in general, contact McMahon at lmcmahon@westfield.ma.edu or visit the Foundation’s web site at westfieldalumni.org.
