Julia M. Carson Learning Center Opens at Ivy Tech Community College
February 4, 2011
JULIA M. CARSON LEARNING CENTER OPENS AT IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE
INDIANAPOLIS- Congressman André Carson today joined leaders from Ivy Tech Community College for a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Julia M. Carson Learning Resource Center at its downtown campus.
The building, located just east of Illinois Street between 27th and 28th Streets, was named after the late Congresswoman, who was influential in assisting Ivy Tech with obtaining federal grant money to complete the facility.
"As a person who was truly passionate about ensuring greater access to educational opportunities for people across this district, it was no surprise that Congresswoman Carson was such a strong supporter of this project from the very beginning," said Congressman Carson. "Sharing that same passion, I am pleased to have continued advocating for the multimodal facility and witness its completion."
The 229,000 square foot, four-story multimodal facility opened to students on January 10. It houses the new campus library, tutoring services, a community room and a 500-space parking garage.
The new library is more than triple the size of the previous library. Additional space will allow the library to grow its collection to about 30,000 items and contains seating for 100 students, 77 computer stations and two group study rooms. In addition, the learning center has seating for 72 students, 44 computers and two meeting rooms. The community room provides seating for up to 40 people and will be used as a meeting space for nonprofit and community based groups in the area.
A combination of public and private funds were used to support construction of the facility, including a $3.8 million contribution by The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. Other partners who worked with Ivy Tech to fund and plan the project include Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation (IndyGo), Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and Engaging Solutions.