Media Release

For Immediate Release

October 20, 2009

Atrium and Global Learning Commons open at Saint Mary’s University

The $17.5 million Atrium building was officially opened to staff and students at a special noon ceremony Oct. 20, 2009.

The new $17.5 million Atrium building on campus at Saint Mary’s University was officially opened by University President Dr. J. Colin Dodds today.

The Atrium is a 43,000 square foot, three-storey building located in the northwest corner of the campus. It features a three-storey “living wall” and a Global Learning Commons - a wireless, student-centred, barrier-free communal learning space.

“Students told us they want to work together more collaboratively. They told us they want access to improved communications, new technologies and innovation. We’ve listened and the result is a type of transformative change that goes beyond mere bricks and mortar,” President Dodds told students and supporters who gathered for the noon event.

The building is home to much needed classroom, research and teaching space, but its most striking feature is a three-storey living wall that includes approximately 1,000 tropical plants.  The wall is the first of its kind in Atlantic Canada and the largest east of Toronto. It helps clean the air, maintain the indoor environment and serve as an impressive visual feature for the Atrium.

Dr. Dodds said students have been involved with the development of the project from the very beginning. He noted one student’s research has been instrumental in the selection of plants that will be used on the building’s green roof that will be planted in the spring.

“With its Living Wall and Green Roof, the Atrium and Global Learning Commons is a breath of fresh air in building design. I am confident that the Government of Canada's investment in this project expands Saint Mary’s long-term ability to support the needs of its students and the environmental values of our broader community,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.

The project was funded by ACOA, and the numerous foundations, businesses, individuals and alumni who contributed to the university’s $40 million Hearts and Minds Campaign.

President Dr. Dodds said the project underscores the university’s commitment to sustainability, while providing greatly needed teaching, research and learning space.

-30-

For More Information:

Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca