They were set in place to guide the university into the twenty-first century. A rt S cience C enter April 15th is Income Tax Day in America. With an excited NKU delegation looking on, Governor Paul Patton signed into law the legislation that provides full funding for the university's new science center. The bill signing came at the end of the legislative session with a press conference in the capitol rotunda at which NKU President James Votruba thanked the governor and the Northern Kentucky Legislative Caucus, all of whom were on hand to take part in the festivities. The stroke of the governor's pen brought to fruition an initiative that began as a dream for the university six years ago.
Many people are responsible for the fulfillment of that dream.
The support and hard work by former President Leon Boothe, the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, members of the legislature, students, members of the university community, the Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors, and countless other citizens have all been instrumental. The commitment early on that President Votruba demonstrated for Governor Patton's higher education reform package was crucial. As one of his first acts, the president met with the dean and science chairs to affirm his strong support and personal involvement in the effort to gain approval for the building. Plans are to break ground next year and occupy the building by 2001.