Taking Science to New Heights

In May 2007, the University officially opened Robert B. Goergen Hall for Biomedical Engineering and Optics. It is the College's first new academic building in more than 20 years-and it is changing the way student and faculty scientists work.

The five-story facility pairs biomedical engineering and optics in an environment of teaching laboratories, high-tech demonstration areas, and gathering spaces for collaboration. It is designed to be eco-friendly and energy smart. The facility was designed by architects Perkins & Will of Boston and built by general contractor LeChase Construction Services of Rochester.

"It is my hope that these laboratories, classrooms, and common spaces will continue to foster groundbreaking research, education, and collaboration across disciplines for many generations to come," said Robert B. Goergen, who gave $10 million toward the building's construction. He earned a bachelor's degree with honors in physics from Rochester in 1960 and has served on the Board of Trustees since 1982. He was its chair from 1991 to 2003.

Within Goergen Hall, two other University graduates who have had a significant impact in optics are recognized. Munnerlyn Atrium is named in honor of Charles Munnerlyn '69 (PhD), a founder of laser vision correction.

Sloan Auditorium is named for Thomas Sloan '65, '69 (MAS), former chairman of Essilor Laboratories, the largest optics network in the country.

The building construction was also supported by a $3 million grant from the Whitaker Foundation.