Events
Cupola Raising
July 23, 2008
Cupolas have long been one of the signature architectural elements of Miami University, and the raising of the cupola to top the Voice of America Learning Center took place on a cool July morning. A group of alumni, civic leaders, Miami staff, and interested citizens signed a memorial scroll (together with all the construction crew on site that morning) which was sealed in the finial which tops the cupola. Then, to the sound of bagpipes, the cupola was raised and set in position, completing the roofline of the Learning Center. The cupola will serve a dual purpose, sheltering a skylight which will bring natural light into the lobby during the day, and housing lighting which will shine forth in the evening. The event took place 322 days after groundbreaking, and 173 days before the beginning of classes in January 2009.
Groundbreaking Ceremony
September 5, 2007
More than 200 people gathered on a hot summer afternoon for the official groundbreaking for the Voice of America Learning Center. Miami University President David Hodge welcomed community leaders and Miami colleagues to the historic occasion. Provost Jeffrey Herbst spoke of the educational vision of the Center, followed by comments from West Chester Township Trustee George Lang and Ohio Representative Bill Coley.
Presidential Luncheon
Boathouse Lodge
Ronald Reagan Voice of America Freedom Park
March 29, 2007
President and Mrs. Hodge hosted over 100 people at a special luncheon where Miami unveiled its plans for the Voice of America Learning Center. After a welcome by President Hodge, Provost Jeffrey Herbst and regional campus deans Kelly Cowan and Daniel Hall provided an overview of educational plans for the new center. Miami's Director of Architecture and Planning Bob Keller and Rod Nimtz, VOALC Director, shared the plans for the facility, which was followed by comments from Judi Boyko, West Chester Township Administrator, and Mike Muska, Executive Director of Butler County MetroParks.