UW-Eau Claire is looking for student ideas to name its new Science and Health Sciences Building, which is set to open in fall 2027. Recently, Student Body President Kaitlyn Hevrin, a fourth-year neuroscience major, encouraged students to share their suggestions through an email. She mentioned how thrilling it is that a student’s idea might be chosen.
The submission period has now ended. The naming committee will soon review the entries and create a ballot for students to vote on their favorite options.
This new building will be the largest on campus, featuring cutting-edge labs, nursing simulations, and research spaces. Construction started in summer 2024 and is going according to schedule.
Hevrin expressed her excitement over the student participation in naming the building. Initially, the committee gathered suggestions from faculty and alumni before reaching out to students. “The responses have been wonderful,” she said, noting the variety of creative suggestions.
The committee includes members from the Mayo Clinic Health System and faculty from UW-Eau Claire. Hevrin, serving as the student representative, stated that a final name should be ready by spring.
Interestingly, the committee decided on a name that reflects the Eau Claire community rather than an individual. Hevrin explained that naming buildings after people can make the process lengthy due to various regulations.
Currently, they are narrowing down the top ten suggestions. Hevrin mentioned that they will send out another email once they have chosen five finalists.
Before the building’s construction, the community participated in signing the final steel beam. Hevrin noted that this encourages a sense of ownership in the new facility. “It’s important to include students since they will use the building,” she said.
As the committee refines the name options, students should keep an eye on their emails for voting updates. Hevrin is eagerly awaiting the final choice and hopes the Board of Regents will approve it.
The community’s involvement reflects a broader trend in education where student voices are increasingly valued. It’s a move toward shared ownership and engagement that enriches university life.
For more information about the building project, you can visit the UW-Eau Claire page.
