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.