Today (MON), the first classes were held in the Peter Lindberg Center for Health and Human Performance on 7th Avenue. The 52,000-square-foot building has five new classrooms, two laboratories, study spaces, and a brand-new aquatic center. It also features state-of-the-art body scanning technology for use in the college's kinesiology program.
Executive Vice President Kent Brands says the goal of the new space is to preparing students in mind, spirit, and body.
"Mind: the kinesiology and public health and the academic learning that will happen there. Spirit: the meditation and spiritual growth center that is located in the building. And, of course, body being the aquatic center where water polo, diving, and swimming will take place."
Barnds says there's growing interest in public health classes, particularly because of the pandemic.
"Public health needs problem-solvers, and liberal arts colleges like Augustana produce great problem-solvers. That's why I think our graduates go on to such great success in public health."
One of the laboratories in the new Lindberg Center is named after Aben Emile Cooper, Augustana's first black All-American athlete, and the aquatic center will be named for Anne Greve Lund, Augustana's first director of women's athletics.
Classrooms and laboratories are open now, while the aquatic center is scheduled to be completed in October.
