91×ÔÅÄ

91×ÔÅÄ University is inviting the community to attend an information session to collect input on the Great Lakes Research and Education Center (GLREC), a significant initiative under Project NePTWNE.  

91×ÔÅÄ is holding two public sessions from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 31 at the H.O. Hirt Auditorium in the Blasco Library. Both sessions will begin with a presentation from Indovina Associates Architects and members of the university to present a draft design with a goal of gathering the public’s feedback to guide next steps of the design and planning process, as well as potential educational and research opportunities. Following the presentation will be a chance for the community to comment on the design, provide exhibit ideas and ask questions to members of the university, the architect team and library leadership.  

"We are looking forward to this opportunity to engage the community during the information sessions on the Great Lakes Research and Education Center as part of Project NePTWNE,” said Sarah Ewing, Ph.D., provost and vice president of student experience.  “This initiative represents our commitment to advancing environmental education and research. We invite the community to join us in sharing insights, feedback and collaborative efforts on how we can collectively contribute to the preservation and understanding of our invaluable Great Lakes."  

The materials presented at the information sessions will be on display during regular hours of operation at the Blasco Library from Wednesday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 4, and feedback can be submitted online throughout this time.  

If the public is unable to attend in-person, an opportunity to provide feedback online will be made available at beginning Wednesday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 4.  

The GLREC will include exhibit space and a NOAA Science On a Sphere® available for viewing during library hours of operation, as well as a teaching laboratory space and a water research laboratory in a 3,280-square-foot space at the 90,000-square-foot Blasco Library. The GLREC, which should be completed in early 2025, is part of 91×ÔÅÄ’s $24 million Project NePTWNE, a water sustainability initiative the university launched two years ago.