Residents@JV

USI / David L. Rice Library

Sunday, July 23, 2006, the Grand Opening of the David L. Rice Library at the University of Southern Indiana from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, was staged to a large fan-fare. There were over 300 people in attendance for this large publicized, mass-media event that included the Jacob’s Village bunch of Wanda, Donna Kay, Debbie, Mike, Michael, Scott, and home coordinators Janice and Barry. After the opening remarks, congratulations, and appreciations from the Universities dignitaries, Ray Hoops, current USI President, Ruth Miller, Rice Library Director, Dr. Rice gave his thank you and his mission for the new library; all supporters were invited inside for tours. The $27.5 million, 158,335 sq. ft. David L. Rice Library is twice the size of its predecessor with five levels. The previous Rice Library had been in use since its opening in 1971 when Dr. Rice was the first acting president beginning in 1968 when the University was in its developmental stage. During the early years of the University, its name was Indiana State University of Evansville as an extension of Indiana State University in Terra Haute, IN. The new facility has 70% library space while the remaining lower levels occupy 16 classrooms and an auditorium. The festivities of the open house in the new structure offered music and entertainment featuring Rowan Tree, Bend in the River Brass Band and Jennifer Reed, harpist. The Star Bucks Coffee shop, which is a permanent fixture in the library, provided many types of refreshments and drinks that were all free on this day. The new Library has been open since June 16 and has had well over 5,000 visitors through its doors already. Comparing the new Library to USI’s growing enrollment of over 10,000 students, a continuing expansion of program studies, and being a quality higher education learning establishment, the future of the David L. Rice Library looks bright.

posted by J V Resident Blog @ 8:22 AM