The Gries Center at University Circle: Where Are We Now?

Hawken`s University Circle initiative is moving ahead with a number of exciting developments. Purchase of House Finalized After a series of transactions, the former Ferris House on Magnolia Drive recently became the official property of Hawken School. The transfer of ownership puts into motion a whirlwind of activity that will move the School toward an anticipated Fall 2009 unveiling of the Center. Gries Center Program and Curriculum Development A steering committee continues to meet monthly to coordinate faculty meetings in each division and will oversee the program and curriculum development. Project leads will meet in the coming weeks and months with executive directors, education directors and other key staff members at UC institutions to begin the process of forming partnerships in the area. New Faculty Role Math and science teacher Bob Shurtz has been appointed Director of Pathways for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math for the 2008-09 school year and will lead efforts to connect students with local medical, educational, science institutions in University Circle. \"The main initial thrust of the program will be expanding the scientific research course that was introduced this year,\" he said. \"Students in that course will work on science research projects this summer at University Circle institutions. For this year, we will have students at VA Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, and probably at CWRU. \"When the Gries center becomes available in the fall of 2009, we anticipate having research seminars for the class there as well as weekly instructional sessions in research methodology.\" Shurtz noted that while he is currently in the planning stages, he envisions a program expansion that will include student internships in math and engineering at University Circle institutions in addition to science. He also plans to team students with NASA and other out-of-town companies and institutions and will call upon Hawken alumni and parents to serve as mentors. Architect Selected Van Auken Akins Architects LLC will handle The Gries Center renovations, which are scheduled to begin this summer and run through next summer. VAA`s clients have included Case Western Reserve University, Ohio State, University School, the Cleveland Browns, and the City of Cleveland. The firm is partnering with the Akron-based restoration architectural company Chambers, Murphy and Burge, which has extensive experience in historic preservation. And not only are efforts underway to maintain the historic integrity of the house. Issues of sustainability and green building will also drive the renovations. Tours of the Building A tour of the building for the entire community is Sunday, May 18, 10:00-11:30 a.m, which is the last day of Alumni Reunion Weekend. Be sure to attend for a look at the building before it is renovated. Gries Center Gifts To donate to the Gries Center, contact Devin Schlickmann, Assistant Head for External Affairs, at 440-423-2965.