Health Science Center Completed, Diane Tyrrell Department of Nursing and Public Health Dedicated
The northeast corner of the new Health Science Center
On July 28, just under one month past an estimated deadline of June 30, staff began moving into Elmhurst University’s new Health Sciences building. The building was estimated to cost $30 million, though the building’s total cost has not yet been released publicly.
The Health Sciences building will begin hosting classes this fall. Among other modern features, it includes a four-room simulation lab, an audiology lab, and a “living lab.” It will house the Nursing and Public Health, Occupational Therapy, and Communication Sciences and Disorders programs.
Sitting partially over the site that was Memorial Hall, the remainder of the older building was demolished starting in mid-July, with certain artifacts, such as columns from the entrance of the building and plaques honoring fallen soldiers from World War I, being preserved.
Desiree Chen, senior director of communications and external relations, said that during demolition, construction crews also discovered a time capsule in a cornerstone of Memorial Hall containing documents dating between roughly 1919 to 1921, when Memorial Hall was being built.
Some minor items, including adjustment to some classroom locks and backordered furniture, are still in progress, but are expected to be handled before the term begins.
The $30 million price tag on the new center was funded by philanthropic gifts, grant and rebate programs from the State of Illinois, as well as reserve funds from the university.
A simulation lab in the new Health Science Center
Along with the completion of the building, EU’s nursing program will be renamed to the “Diane Tyrrell Department of Nursing and Public Health.” A ceremony was hosted on June 7 featuring a speech from trustee Judith Paice (‘79), who currently works as the director of the Cancer Pain Program at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine.
According to the press release from the Office of Marketing and Communications, Paice “described the critical role of nurses, who work ‘across the lifespan, from obstetrics to end of life care,’ and how the new Health Sciences building will ensure that education and preparation of Elmhurst’s ‘extraordinary nurses’ continues.”
Diane Tyrrell and Thomas Tyrrell (‘67), the namesakes of EU’s Tyrrell Fitness Center, are longtime donors to the university, supporting the school for nearly 50 years according to the press release.
Diane Tyrrell worked as a critical care nurse for 45 years, being named “Nurse of the Year” in 1988 at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. Thomas Tyrrell is a trustee emeritus of EU, joining the board in 1990 and serving as chair from 2002 to 2007.
