April 15, 2003 — The University of Utah College of Science is extremely pleased to announce that 12 outstanding science students are able to occupy one of the Officers’ Circle residences in historic Fort Douglas, thanks to a $750,000 gift from Gary L. and Ann S. Crocker. “The various college residence houses, together with the new dormitories and elegant dining commons constructed as part of the 2002 Winter Olympic Village, will change the character of the entire university from primarily a commuter campus to a community of residential scholars,” said College of Science Dean Peter J. Stang.
The College of Science will host a dedication ceremony and celebration to recognize Gary and Ann Crocker for their foresight and commitment to excellence in providing this exceptional opportunity for the college’s best science and math students. The event will include a ribbon-cutting and student-guided tours of the house by current Crocker House residents. Gary and Ann will be in attendance, as will university President J. Bernard Machen.
Officers’ Circle is part of the historic property once held by the United States Army that is now being developed into a “living and learning” center for students and faculty at the University of Utah. Known as Fort Douglas Heritage Commons, the structures, both new and renovated, comprise a student residential living complex that will rank among the nation’s finest. The Crocker Science House will provide living quarters for 12 of the most outstanding students from the four departments (biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics) of the College of Science each year. Students are chosen through a formal application process which includes supporting letters of recommendation. The college provides a $300 stipend to newly selected scholars, and is pursuing additional funding to implement a scholarship component for residents.
When renovation is complete, more than 125 high achieving students will live in the ten homes on Officers’ Circle. These homes will provide a dynamic environment for student interaction. Within easy walking distance to the Chase N. Peterson Heritage Center, the “union building” of the commons, and the Officers’ Club, which will carry on its traditional role as a gathering place for relaxation and enjoyment, the Crocker Science House will be at the heart of Fort Douglas Heritage Commons.
Gary Crocker is President of Crocker Ventures LLC, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of ARUP, Inc., and several other medical laboratory and drug delivery technology companies. In the community, Mr. Crocker serves as Vice-Chair, University of Utah Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Utah Youth Village, and Trustee for the university hospital. His leadership role in the Youth Village’s program for troubled families, “Families First,” has enabled the Village to serve hundreds of struggling low-income families.
Date: Weds, April 23, 2003
Time: 4:30 p.m. ribbon-cutting followed by student-guided tours
Place: Gary and Ann Crocker Science House, 613 Officers’ Circle, Fort Douglas, University of Utah