Groundbreaking Event Held for New Postle Hall
From left: Provost Bruce McPheron, Dean Patrick M. Lloyd, President Michael Drake, Dr. David Bitonte, Dr. Jeffrey Kleinman ’76 DDS, Dr. Yana Kaz-Kleinman, Dr. Gary Bitonte ’69 BS, ’73 MD
On the evening of June 5, the College of Dentistry hosted a reception and "groundbreaking" event for its $95 M facility -- the new Postle Hall.
The event was attended by about 85 guests who included the university's President Michael Drake, Provost Bruce McPheron, architects and others involved in the construction project, as well as donors, alumni, and friends of the college. The event was emceed by Jimmy Schooley, a fourth-year dental student and president of the Student Government Association.
Dean Patrick Lloyd spoke first about the significance of the event. He said, "This is a truly historic moment for our College of Dentistry. It has been more than 60 years since our college benefited from a new facility, and it is my pleasure and privilege to be with you at this gathering that sets the stage for the construction of the new Postle Hall."
"It will be a place where people learn and enjoy each other's company, and where discoveries are made and lifelong memories and friendships are formed." — Dean Patrick Lloyd
He added, "This state-of-the-art building will be a 130,000 square foot facility that houses new student pre-clinical labs and patient clinics; an ambulatory surgery center; a faculty practice; a radiology clinic; and a central sterilization facility. But it will be more than just 'bricks and mortar.' It will be a place where people learn and enjoy each other's company, and where discoveries are made and lifelong memories and friendships are formed. We are so pleased and proud to be at this special point in our college's history. It foretells a promising future for our profession at Ohio State and in the State of Ohio."
Dr. Dale Ann Featheringham, an alumna of the college and chair of the Capital Campaign, added her remarks about the years she spent in Postle Hall as a dental student, as well as the need for all alumni and friends of the college to help raise the remaining $25 M needed to complete the project.
"I was really excited and humbled to be asked to chair this fund-raising committee because this college played such an important role in developing me as a person and a dental professional," she said. "When you consider the fact that the last major renovation of Postle Hall happened in the 1970's, it's clear that most of us will have just one chance in our lifetime to be part of something that is as monumental and lasting as this!"