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Construction begins for new science facility The 17 million dollar science facility began construction on Tuesday, March 17 after a ceremony with President Byker and other faculty John J. Vander Meer News Editor Construction for the $18.4 million Life Sciences Center began on Tuesday March 17. The 65,000 square feet building, which will house the Chemistry and Biology Departments, will be located west of the existing Science Building. The Center is part of a $22 million project intended to facilitate science education and research at Calvin and in the western Michigan community. Architect for the project is URS Greiner, a Chicago-based firm that has been frequently involved in creation and expansion plans at Calvin and General contractor for the project will be Wolverine Construction. “We hope to have the construction substantially completed by June of 1999,” said Jim Kraai, Vice President of Administration and Finance. “But it will take the departments almost a month to make the transition from the old building to the new facility.” Significant funding for equipment and research will also be provided by Calvin faculty. Calvin ranks sixth in the nation among undergraduate institutions for NationalScience Foundation Instrumentation and Laboratory improvement grants. Organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, Research Corporation, the National Science Foundation and others have granted Calvin more than two million dollars for multiple year research support. The Center will also serve as a medical education and research facility, a collaborative effort between Calvin, Spectrum Health, and the Grand Rapids Medical Education Consortium. Part of the larger construction plan is a $1.7 million engineering building which will house a developmental space for engineering students and faculty. According to Engineering Department Chairperson Robert Hoeksma the facility will be used primarily as a place for the construction of student projects. “When you go into some of our rooms now you can hardly walk around.” Engineering faculty will also be able to use the new space as a location for research and development. “Richard De Jong, for example, does - see News Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals mesmerize audience On Tuesday, March 17, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals played a sold out show at the Fine Arts Center Auditorium here at Calvin. Silence in the audience during the encores demonstrated the feeling of the show for many students. One student said, “Harper is not an entertainer, he is a musician.” Harper is presently touring to support his third album, “The Will to Live.” He has toured with the likes of Dave Matthews and Pearl Jam. The Independent magazine says, “Harper sweetens the pill of his undoubtedly stern personal, political and religious homilies with beautifully weighted musical settings....” Behind the Health Services scene Nicholas Dekker Assistant News Editor Health Services is an organization that provides a variety of medical services. Many students have voiced concerns about the limitations of Calvin College’s Health Services. Judy Eppinga, the Nurse Director of Health Services, stated that the goal of Health Services is “first and foremost to give care in all facets.” The Calvin College Health Services staffs registered nurses and doctors every day, Monday through Friday. One student who wished to remain anonymous commented on the helpfulness and warmth of the staff. Eppinga noted that Calvin has a premier health station which many other schools are patterning. Eppinga said Health Services concentrates on health education and prevention. She hopes that students can learn more about taking care of themselves so that visits to health centers not be necessary. Each dorm desk supplies self-care kits are available so students may treat themselves for minor illnesses or determine whether they should seek further help. Other forms of prevention provided are immunizations, allergy injections, TB skin tests, and overseas travel vaccinations. Eppinga said from 250 to 300 students travel for interims or semester programs every year who are able to receive vaccinations for everything but yellow fever. She noted that Health Services acts in many cases as a helpful link between students and local medical centers. For many specific instances, Health Services has a full list of referrals to dentists, optometrists, gynecologists, and physical therapists. A referral from Health Services speeds up the appointment procedure. According to Eppinga, Health Services treats about 95 percent of students that come there. She recommended getting an appointment. Some students complain of the wait, especially when they are feeling sick, but Eppinga stated that due to the high volume of students, care cannot see News