In March, Hamline broke ground on its new building, the Carol Young Anderson and Dennis L. Anderson University Center, and now the center is truly beginning to take shape. The $36 million building will feature casual dining facilities, roof terraces, flexible event space, and student organization offices.

Over the summer, McGough Construction removed 45,000 cubic yards of dirt—creating the required 20-foot deep hole. In August, the installation of the steel frame of the building began. That component is expected to be completed by early October. By February of 2012, the exterior walls will be finished, and interior construction will commence.

“The University Center is on schedule,” said Lowell Bromander, associate vice president for facilities services. “By late-August of next year, we plan to have the building furnished and ready for use.”

While construction continues, Hamline’s fundraising campaign advances to its second phase. After raising $15 million in leadership gifts, Hamline kicked off its “Make a Difference” campaign during Alumni Weekend in September. As part of this campaign, Hamline will host fundraising events in the Twin Cities and across the country. Watch for event information throughout the year on the Alumni Relations website.

“We are excited to begin this phase of the campaign,” said Tony Grundhauser, vice president for development and alumni relations. “We hope to draw participation from donors large and small.”

Over the next year, alumni who give $1,000 or more ($500 or more for graduates from 2001-2011) to the Make a Difference campaign will have their name engraved on a brick on the main campus pathway to the University Center. Donors may also choose to honor a loved one by having that person’s name engraved.

Hamline’s goal is to raise $24 million for the University Center project. Learn more about the Make a Difference campaign and other engagement opportunities.  Learn more about the construction project and watch the live construction camera.