<< BackMonninger Center Ushers In New Era of Learning
Pictured
at the ribbon cutting for the John and Joan Monninger Center for
Learning and Research are, from left: Kenneth Greene, former College at
Florham provost; Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th District);
Sheldon Drucker, interim president, FDU; Richard Reiss, senior vice president for University advancement; John Monninger, BS'65; Peter
Woolley, College at Florham provost and senior vice provost for
government and community affairs; Joan Monninger; and Patrick Zenner,
MBA '75, chair of the FDU Board of Trustees.
The new academic hub of the College at Florham is just steps from the Student Center. It’s a natural spot for students and
faculty to congregate for seminars, study sessions or class.
“Students will gather here for generations to come. It’s remarkable,” said Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th District) at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the John and Joan Monninger Center for Learning and Research.
See video highlights of the ribbon-cutting event at FDU in Motion.
A
generous gift of $1 million from alumnus John Monninger, BS'65, and his
wife, Joan, was the catylyst behind the construction of this new learning
environment. At the ribbon cutting, John Monninger spoke about how
touched he and Joan were following the groundbreaking in May 2011 as
students approached both of them and thanked them for the support.
“John
and Joan, your impact will be long-lasting,” said Interim President
Sheldon Drucker. “The final product is magnificent in every way.”
President Drucker acknowledged the vision of late University President
J. Michael Adams and his pride regarding the Monninger Center. “Thank
you, Michael, for dreaming big. The Monninger Center bridges our past to
our present, and more importantly, to our future.”
Chief
among the building’s new occupants will be the Academic Support Center.
A renovated reference room and brand new computer lab are significant
additions to the College at Florham.
“A
library is more than just books. It’s a place to come for all kinds of
help,” said College at Florham Provost Peter Woolley. “We’ve shifted the
center of gravity on campus.”
Connected to
the existing Orangerie and College at Florham Library, the Monninger
Center expands on the study and education resources already available on
campus. The 21st century learning spaces — equipped for wireless computing and featuring multiple electrical and Ethernet outlets —
range from small group study rooms to a 100-seat auditorium. A coffee
bar and the latest technology complete the modern building, which is
replete with open spaces. The center also makes extensive use of natural
light, features high efficiency heating and air-conditioning units and
uses recyclable materials wherever possible.