The Eden Hall Foundation has awarded Seton Hill University a grant to complete construction of the third floor of The JoAnne Woodyard Boyle Health Sciences Center on the University’s hilltop campus. This commitment caps the University’s campaign for campus expansion and renewal, which raised more than $80 million, exceeding its original $75 million goal. 

“The Eden Hall Foundation’s generous support will allow Seton Hill to complete the third floor of The JoAnne Woodyard Boyle Health Sciences Center, providing for additional laboratories as well as classrooms to accommodate Seton Hill’s growing Health Sciences programs,” said Seton Hill President Mary C. Finger. “When the Boyle Center opened in August, it became apparent that space on the third floor that had been reserved for future program growth would be needed much sooner than originally anticipated. The Boyle Center continues to help Seton Hill meet growing demand for our excellent natural and health science programs, particularly pre-med, Physician Assistant, biology, chemistry, nutrition and dietetics and exercise science.” 

“We are pleased to support Seton Hill University’s efforts to complete The JoAnne Woodyard Boyle Health Sciences Center and to provide students with the laboratory and classroom space they need for learning and research,” said Sylvia Fields, executive director of the Eden Hall Foundation. “Seton Hill’s efforts in expanding its Health Sciences curriculum and facilities reflect the University’s commitment to filling a critical need for health care professionals in southwestern Pennsylvania.”

“The Eden Hall Foundation grant will enhance the learning and research already happening in the Boyle Center by providing classroom and laboratory space for cell biology, genetics, and anatomy and physiology as well as additional capacity for student research,” said Bernadette Fondy, acting chair of the Seton Hill Division of Natural and Health Sciences. “We are grateful to the Eden Hall Foundation for its commitment to completing the Boyle Center and helping prepare Seton Hill students for graduate school and careers in health care and scientific research.”

The JoAnne Woodyard Boyle Health Sciences Center serves more than 500 students in the Seton Hill University Division of Natural and Health Sciences, which has seen enrollment growth as more than 40 percent of incoming freshman have chosen Health Sciences majors in recent years. The 65,000 square-foot facility, which connects with the Lynch Hall science building on two floors, brings all of Seton Hill’s health science programs, including majors in Physician Assistant, biology, chemistry, nutrition and dietetics, and exercise science, together into one space enabling collaboration among students, faculty and staff. The total cost of the project, which included construction of the Boyle Center and renovations to adjacent Lynch Hall, was $27 million.

Construction on the third floor of The JoAnne Woodyard Boyle Health Sciences Center is expected to be complete in December 2016.