Azusa Pacific Names Newest Signature Building: Segerstrom Science Center

AZUSA, Calif.**—**As its most fiscally significant undertaking in the university's history, Azusa Pacific University President Jon R. Wallace, DBA, announced that the new $54 million science center will carry the Segerstrom family name.

"Steve and Susie (Segerstrom) Perry and Sally Segerstrom have shared a close affiliation with APU through the years and have invested in many strategic initiatives with the university. They have a rich entrepreneurial spirit and their remarkable contribution to the science center will impact the lives of many generations of students," said Wallace. "It’s a privilege to recognize our friends and alums by naming the science center in their honor."

In support of this significant endeavor, the Perry-Segerstrom family members gave a combined $10 million. This marked the single largest family gift in APU's history.

Well known in the Southern California community for their philanthropic and civic commitment, Steve and Susie (Segerstrom) Perry and Sally Segerstrom provide significant support to a wide variety of charitable, scientific, cultural, educational, and religious organizations. Along with other family members they have made significant contributions to the community, including the donation of land and lead gifts in the construction of the Orange County Performing Arts Center. The Segerstrom family is primarily noted for developing the South Coast Plaza shopping mall, one of the highest grossing in the country, with more than 300 stores and over $1 billion in annual sales.

"We gave to Azusa Pacific University because of our rich and rewarding experience as students at APU. We know firsthand that APU's God First emphasis will continue to have a tremendous impact on students' lives and their vocations," said Susie (Segerstrom) Perry.

"We decided to support the sciences because we know APU's graduates will make a difference in health care, education, and beyond," said Sally Segerstrom.

"In Matthew 22:37, Jesus commands us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our mind. This new, state-of-the-art, $54 million facility will aide us in our primary educational goal to provide transformational scholarship to literally thousands of future doctors, nurses, teachers, and scientists," said Provost Michael Whyte, Ph.D. "Our university is as concerned about delivering quality biology and chemistry courses as we are at delivering quality Bible courses. We do so knowing that excellence honors God."

"This gift exemplifies visionary business leadership, generosity, and engaged servant leadership," said David Bixby, Ed.D., APU executive vice president. "The Segerstrom Science Center stands as a footprint of discovery which will equip an emerging generation of researchers and scientists to fully explore new possibilities."

About the Segerstrom Science Center

The 72,000-square-foot, three-story facility houses the Department of Biology and Chemistry and the Department of Mathematics and Physics, along with research and teaching components for the School of Nursing and Department of Physical Therapy. Located at 675 E. Foothill Blvd. on the university's West Campus, the science center was completed in May 2009.

With the addition of 7,300 square feet of new lab space, APU will further advance its impact in research and development in the areas of math, science, and advanced technology. The new facility, with its dramatically expanded resources, will have a significant impact on student access to classes, exposure to research, and the ability to recruit new students. The center will enable tomorrow's doctors, teachers, geneticists, engineers, nurses, dentists, physical therapists, and scientists to apply APU's signature brand of Christian leadership in a field at times filled with ethical and moral ambiguity.

The structure was designed by Los Angeles-based architecture firm AC Martin and Pasadena-based CS Driver led the building process. Construction began in October 2007.

Occupancy of the science center began in early May as APU faculty transitioned offices and equipment to the new building. The dedication is scheduled for September 3. For more information on the Segerstrom Science Center, visit /sciencecenter/.

To speak with a university representative or arrange a tour, please contact Nathan Foster, public relations manager, at [email protected].