Weber State celebrates reopening of ‘state-of-the-art’ McKay Education Building
OGDEN, Utah — Weber State University will commemorate the newly renovated David O. McKay Education Building with a grand reopening at 2 p.m. on Oct. 10.
Originally built in 1972, the McKay Education Building was stripped to its frame and foundation, and rebuilt to include more natural light, modern classrooms and study spaces, and roof-mounted solar panels.
“The McKay Education Building is more than a state-of-the-art facility,” said Julie Rich, dean of the College of Social Sciences & Education. “It represents our deep commitment to preparing the next generation of teachers and leaders.”
Home of the Jerry & Vickie Moyes School of Education, the building underwent a two-year renovation to modernize and upgrade WSU’s teaching and learning spaces.
Designed by GSBS Architects, the McKay Education Building incorporates biophilic design, which integrates nature and a connection to the environment with the architecture and its surrounding landscape.
Featuring 13 classrooms, including a lecture hall that can seat up to 90 students, the building also houses a new Digital Media Production Lab and a maker space called the Fabrication Lab, which will equip students and faculty with the necessary tools and resources to create innovative materials for their lessons and classes.
“Within the McKay Education Building’s walls, students and faculty will collaborate, innovate, and inspire one another, which will strengthen not only the college, but the communities our graduates will serve for decades to come,” Rich said.
In addition to housing WSU’s teacher education and child and family studies programs, the building is home to the Melba S. Lehner Children’s School and Charter Academy, which both serve as a teaching school for young children and training lab for college students. Upgrades to the Children’s School include additional security measures and an expansive playscape on the north and east side of the building that can be used as an outdoor classroom.
As an entirely electric building powered by the campus geothermal water loop, the McKay Education Building directly supports Weber State’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. The rooftop solar array will also provide an estimated 200 kilowatts of electricity to the campus grid.
The reopening event begins at 2 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, with remarks from WSU officials, faculty and staff, and state representatives beginning at 2:30 p.m. Tours of the building will be offered following the ceremony.
Jessica Kokesh, Marketing & Communications
801-626-7316, jessicakokesh@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, Interim Public Relations Director
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu