BILBY RESEARCH CENTER

Planning for the research facility began in 1978. Designed by Rossman and Partners, the same architects responsible for the Skydome, and built by the Mardian Construction Company of Phoenix, the $1.2 million 19,499 square-foot structure was the first facility on campus designed exclusively for research. The building was formally dedicated and named the Ralph M. Bilby Research Center at a ceremony held at Ardrey Memorial Auditorium on January 17, 1981. Bilby was active in business, education, and public service. The facility opened in 1982 with eighteen faculty members from five disciplines occupying seven laboratories. Initially dedicated to physical and natural science, it has since been opened to other disciplines. In addition, the facility provides such services as assisting with the production of audio-visual presentations, readying material for publication, and soliciting external funding.