Governor Quinn Announces Investment in State-of-the-Art Science Labs at Saint Xavier University

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced a $2.2 million investment in Chicago's Saint Xavier University (SXU) to build state-of-the-art science labs. The new facility will help ensure the school's students are prepared for the jobs of the future. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to improve higher education in Illinois, create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"An investment in Saint Xavier University will help this south side gem stay competitive so current and future students receive a high quality education and make a difference in the world," Governor Quinn said. "An investment in education goes a long way towards our future and the future of Illinois' bright young minds. This new science facility will help train students for the jobs of tomorrow while creating jobs today."

"We are so grateful to Governor Quinn for investing in the development of a state-of-the-art Science facility that will help us prepare our diverse community of students for 21st century careers," SXU President Christine Wiseman, J.D said. "This important investment illustrates the value the Governor and SXU places on contemporary science equipment, facilities and programs that prepare our students to meet the scientific challenges of this new millennium."

Saint Xavier University will receive $2.3 million to help fund construction of additional chemistry and biology labs, as well as innovative learning environments designed to foster creativity and collaboration and introduce students to new laboratory techniques, experimental design opportunities and statistical analysis.

Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program is supporting more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.