Illinois College of Optometry Announces $3.5 Million Renovation to Lecture Center

CHICAGO, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Illinois College of Optometry Board of Trustees has approved a $3.5 million renovation of the school's Lecture Center. The project will begin next month and include a complete interior overhaul of ICO's primary lecture facility, which opened in 1985. The renovation is expected to be completed in August, in time to welcome the Class of 2015 to ICO's campus.

The renovation project is part of ICO's Campus Master Plan, which outlines strategic improvements to enhance the delivery of optometric education. The enhanced Lecture Center will have high-tech capabilities, new HD screens and lighting, swivel seats, added tables with built-in power outlets, as well as a new floor profile designed for colleague interaction and activities. The 466-seat tiered auditorium can be divided into three lecture rooms and will have improved sound-proof doors.

"The renovation of the Lecture Center will have a tremendous impact on our students," said ICO President Dr. Arol Augsburger. "Making this investment in ICO's facility further enhances our ability to educate future generations of optometrists and reinforces our commitment to excellence in optometric clinical education."

ICO also will kick off a "name-a-seat" campaign in May for supporters to invest in the future of the College. Individuals, professional practices and organizations can show their support of ICO, honor a graduate or remember a special person by naming a seat in the new Lecture Center. Supporters will be recognized with an engraved permanent plaque mounted near a seat.

Designed by Chicago-based architect Jensen & Halstead, the new Lecture Center is primarily being funded through ICO investments. Skender Construction and MSpace are coordinating construction and audio visual work, respectively.

About the Illinois College of Optometry

The Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), founded in 1872 by Dr. Henry Olin, provides excellence in optometric clinical education and is among the world's leading urban optometric institutions. Located in Chicago, ICO has a distinguished legacy of providing aspiring optometrists the education and experience needed to meet the challenges of a changing health care environment and become leaders who will champion their patients and the profession alike. For more information about the Illinois College of Optometry, visit www.ico.edu.

SOURCE Illinois College of Optometry