Uncovering an architectural rendering for the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Math and Science are, from left, Dr. Ken Bowman, chair of the College's Board of Trustees and a 1970 graduate; Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of Tusculum, and Verna June Meen.
A $3.875 million gift towards funding the construction of a new math and science academic facility at Tusculum College was announced on Thursday, July 12, during a news conference at the Greeneville campus.
The gift will be recognized with the naming of the new science and math facility at Tusculum College, the “Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math.”
Mrs. Meen chose to make this gift in memory of her husband, Dr. Ronald H. Meen, who passed away in 2008 and was an organic chemist for Eastman Chemical Company, having earned a Ph.D in organic chemistry from the University of Toronto.
“I wanted to do this for Ron, as a way to honor him, to remember him,” she said of her gift to Tusculum College that will spur the construction of the new science and math academic facility on the Greeneville campus.
Dr. Meen worked for Eastman Chemical Company for many years and held numerous patents for chemical compounds developed during the course of his work for the company. He was a respected, published author in the field of organic chemistry who enjoyed riding his bike, reading, fishing and visiting his second home in Canada.
According to architect John Fisher of Fisher and Associates, the Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math will be a three story 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art science and math facility with an estimated total project cost in excess of $15 million. Similar to other structures on the campus, the architectural design will be consistent with the historic architectural context of Tusculum College.
“Words can’t express the deep appreciation that members of the Tusculum College community have and will continue to have for the generosity of Dr. and Mrs. Meen. We are honored that Verna June has chosen to leave a living memorial to her husband at Tusculum College,” said Dr. Moody. “She is an amazing person in her own right, and the gift she has given will impact the lives of thousands of students for many, many years to come.”
Dr. Moody also extended appreciation to Linda Kirkland and Terri McGuire of First Tennessee Trust Services at First Tennessee Bank and Joel Conkin of Wilson Worley law firm in Kingsport for their assistance in this effort.
Representatives from First Tennessee Trust Services helped Meen enjoy the event. From left are Terri McGuire of First Tennessee Trust Services; Dr. Moody; Meen, and Linda Kirkland of First Tennessee Trust Services.
“Today is an important day,” said Dr. Kenneth A. Bowman, chair of the Board of Trustees and a 1970 graduate of Tusculum College who majored in chemistry. “A day in which we announce not only that we will step once more forward, but we also do so in conjunction with our community and our friends. Tusculum College would not be here today if it were not for the relationships it has forged throughout the years.”
He added, “Our alumni, our friends, our students and the community at large have joined with us on many occasions to continue the traditions Tusculum College holds dear. In good times and in rough times, we have enjoyed the support of many who have impacted this institution in significant ways.”
Fund raising to cover the additional costs of the new building, currently in the design phase, will begin immediately. Heather Patchett, vice president for Institutional Advancement, said that the project would provide many opportunities for alumni, parents and friends of the college to name labs, classrooms and offices to honor loved ones. Those interested in more information are encouraged to contact Patchett at (423) 636-7303.
A number of members of the Tusculum College community as well as the community at large attended the press conference. With Meen are Board of Trustee members, from left, Dr. Ken Bowman '70, Dr. Scott Niswonger '87 H'06, Alan Corley, Tom Fergusaon, Life Trustee Bob Bailey, Dr. Tom Garland H'86 and Life Trustee Sam Doak '49.
The architectural rendering shows initial plans for the new Ronald H. and Verna June Meen Center for Science and Math planned for the Tusculum College campus