The construction of the Gerdin Business Building is in full swing and the committee members are more excited than ever about the much-anticipated building.

The College of Business was created in 1984. Currently located in Carver Hall, the College of Business faces space limitations and technological constraints for classes, outreach, research and corporate recruiting.

Most of the space in this new state-of-the-art facility will be devoted to classrooms, laboratories, team rooms and other student-related activities.

While there is much excitement, there are some who don’t see a need for the building. Brian Huston, senior in MIS, said the building is not needed.

“I think Carver is fine,” he said. “From what I understand, the money is coming from grants, but I could think of a lot of other good uses besides a new building we don’t really need.”

Phyllis Lepke, senior vice president of the ISU Foundation, said the total cost of the building is $25 million. Mr. and Mrs. Russell Gerdin made a gift of $10 million.

“There will be a number of case discussion rooms . built in a theater format,” said Brad Shrader, professor of management and building committee member. “They are designed to facilitate discussions with multimedia capabilities.”

Adam Newland, junior in management information systems, is also looking forward to the new building.

“It will provide much-needed space and it will be more convenient for advising,” he said. “It will give the business school its own identity and will give students more pride in their university.”

Labh Hira, chair of building committee and interim business dean, is also pleased with the new building.

“The progress of the building is very close to right on schedule,” he said.

Even though there is some skepticism, many of the business family are very excited about the new building. With the building plans running according to schedule, professors are starting to look forward to teaching in this new state-of-the-art facility.

The building is scheduled to open November 1st of 2003.