NDSU’s newest academic building has a new name. The former STEM education building was christened the A. Glenn Hill Center in a formal naming dedication ceremony Sept. 30.
The name honors Professor A. Glenn Hill, a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics from 1927 to 1967 and chair of the department from 1943 to 1967. He was a respected mentor and educator to generations of scientists and engineers who graduated from NDSU. Hill died in 1967.
An estimated 75 Hill family members were on hand for the ceremony and the unveiling of a statue of the late professor in the nearby plaza.
President Bresciani said Hill helped build NDSU’s position as a leading student-focused, land-grant, research university. “I don’t know if he would recognize NDSU, but he is at the very foundation of it becoming what it is today,” he said.
The A. Glenn Hill Center opened to classes in January 2016. It is a student-focused environment made up entirely of classrooms, labs and study areas, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, known as STEM.
Bresciani described the building as a facility that students need and deserve. “This building was built with universal design, the notion that anybody can use the building. It’s particularly focused on STEM education, but an English or history class could be held in here,” he said. “Very few of the classroom are discipline specific; most of the rooms can be used for multiple reasons.”
The state of North Dakota provided $29.4 million for the structure, which is located east of the Memorial Union and west of Churchill Field. The 119,505 square-foot facility has 23 labs, nine classrooms and 13 study areas. It serves up to 5,000 students per day.
“I will take my capstone class in this building. I enjoy the student-focused opportunities that are available, like the active learning classrooms,” said Anuj Teotia, student body vice president, who served as master of ceremonies. “I have the privilege of learning in this unique environment. It is something that students at NDSU, and other institutions, desire.”
Alumnus Harry D. McGovern, Hill’s nephew, said the building’s name is a fitting tribute. “He always felt an education was so important,” McGovern said. “He was a kind, gentle man and it was important that he not be forgotten. With the plaques, the name on the building and the statue, Uncle Glenn, you’ll never be forgotten now.”
Hill developed an accelerated program for the mathematics department, and co-wrote three books on mathematics that were widely used at the time. He wrote a number of publications on mathematics and was instrumental in the adoption of new mathematical concepts and procedures.
Hill was awarded an honorary Doctor of Service Award by Blue Key in 1948, and in 1960 was selected to give NDSU’s Faculty Lecture, a high honor bestowed by his peers.
“They say that if a person can make a living doing what they truly love, they are blessed,” said Dana Hill, son of A. Glenn Hill. “If you use that as a standard, then A. Glenn was truly blessed.”
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