A unique new learning environment framed by a four-storey living wall and a lecture theatre designed in the style of an Interior Salish pit house opened today at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) for the benefit of students and the local community.

Mark Brown addresses the audience during the official opening of the Brown Family House of Learning on May 26, 2011. At his side is wife Ellen Brown. The building is named after the Browns for their significant pledge of $2 million.

The new 7,000 sq metre building was unveiled as the Brown Family House of Learning, and celebrated today as an environmental icon with a green roof, a living wall, water efficient landscaping and most of its lightning provided by natural light. With the inspiration of First Nations traditions and the hard work of more than 320 trade people, technicians and construction experts. Dignitaries, faculty and students were on hand to show off the largest in-the-round lecture theatre in British Columbia.

This project is a spectacular example of how TRU puts its learner-centered culture into practise,” Alan Shaver, TRU President and Vice-Chancellor told the 200 people gathered for the opening. “All the resources in this space create synergies for learning and engagement for our students and faculty as well as enhancing the university’s sense of community.”

Mark and Ellen Brown made the largest private pledge ever to the TRU Foundation to support the construction of the House of Learning and for the continued growth of the university and for the support of students.

“With the Brown’s leadership and display of strong community support we have built a world class facility that is a beacon for education, art, architecture and culture,” said Christopher Seguin, TRU Vice- President Advancement.

“We know that education makes a difference in people’s lives and that TRU plays an important role in Kamloops,” said Mark Brown. “It is our hope that this gift to TRU will make a difference through education to many people in this community and in our region.”

Mark Brown is the President of Northern Trailer, a company that he and Ellen Brown built together before selling it in 2007 to Horizon North Logistics Inc. of Calgary. Mark and Ellen’s $2 million pledge is the largest private pledge ever made to the TRU Foundation to support the construction of the House of Learning.

TRU received over $28M for building improvements to the campus through the Knowledge Infrastructure Program. This includes $18 million from the provincial government and $5.9 million from the federal government for the new House of Learning and an additional $4.9 million to renovate existing campus buildings.

Other Quotables

Cathy McLeod, MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo “Our government has invested in new research and training facilities to improve the quality of life for Canadians and set the foundation for economic growth. This investment has created jobs for people, both now and in the future, and will continue to provide the facilities Thompson Rivers University needs to maintain its place as a vital part of our community.”

Kevin Krueger, MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson “Thompson Rivers University is a vital part of the Kamloops community, supporting a wide range of programs for students from many disciplines. When students have access to great educational choices that are close by, it means they can choose to remain near their families as they pursue their post-secondary education, making it even more likely they will stay in their communities as they build their careers.”

Terry Lake, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson “It’s exciting to see the expansion and improvements that make Thompson Rivers University an important part of the future for Kamloops. Local students will have an outstanding educational experience with the new House of Learning, providing them with the education they need to secure the jobs of the future.”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWob3vTaz48[/youtube]

Following are some pieces on display in the KPMG Gallery
(click photos to view a larger size)

Background on Knowledge Infrastructure Program
The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople and technicians. In B.C. the federal government is providing up to 50 per cent of the cost of selected projects on a cost-share basis with the Province.

The projects are also part of British Columbia’s overall $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province to create jobs and vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan set out to stimulate the Canadian economy and to improve our long-term competitiveness through $12 billion in new infrastructure investment, which includes the $2-billion Knowledge Infrastructure Program.