Governor Quinn Announces $3 Million for Westlake Hall

10/30/2014 3:45 PM

Governor Pat Quinn today announced the final installment of funds for the Westlake Hall renovation project.  He announced the distribution of $3,041,820.  Westlake Hall is home to the College of Education and Health Sciences at Bradley University and is one of two original buildings on campus.

“The state’s investment in this project has allowed us to provide state-of-the-art classrooms and outstanding facilities to educate future teachers, entrepreneurs and public service leaders,” Bradley University President Joanne Glasser said. “The students we educate here today will make a difference as leaders tomorrow.  Westlake now stands four stories tall and six times its former size, growing from 13,500 to 84,600 square feet as a pillar of excellence in learning.”  

At today’s press conference, Joan Sattler, Dean of the College of Education and Health Sciences, thanked the Governor and the local legislative team for following through on their commitment to the future of higher education at Bradley.  “We knew from the beginning that it would likely take several year through several grant awards to realize the full $9.9 million.  Today represents the final payment and the full payment.  We are thrilled and grateful.”

Senior Elementary Education major Ciera Harvill, said the renovation project has made a difference in her education.  “With this renovation came many upgrades including upgrades in technology.  The Westlake Hall upgrades have helped prepare me for my future in a way I never imagined.  We now have state of the art and cutting edge technology in our classrooms and it makes a big difference in our education.”

The investment is part of $100 million set aside this fiscal year in the Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program to address the critical needs of the state’s private colleges and universities.  Today’s announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to improve higher education in Illinois while creating thousands of construction jobs.

“These investments in Illinois higher education will help these central Illinois schools stay competitive with other small colleges and continue to produce well-prepared graduates,” Governor Quinn said. “The funds will help these institutions address their needs while creating jobs and moving our economy forward.”