http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/missourist_616.mp3
On Wednesday morning, Missouri State University expanded its campus with the opening and naming ceremony of the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center.
KSMU's Matt Petcoff attended the ceremony...
Missouri State University President Michael Nietzel was one of more than a hundred people in attendance at the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center grand opening.
During the ceremony, Nietzel recalled how the university purchased the building that is now J-VIC from the city for one dollar.
He says he still jokes that, at the time, they paid too much.
But, two years later, Nietzel says it's nice to see J-VIC ready for use.
When the ceremony was complete, the public was invited to look inside J-VIC.
Leading the tours were students and employees of the center.
Keela Davis is a junior research scientist at J-VIC who graduated from Missouri State in December.
She says, from a student's perspective, the opportunities J-VIC presents are priceless.
Nietzel, as well as many other local officials like Mayor Tom Carlson and Greene County Presiding Commissioner Dave Coonrod, were quick to thank the buildings namesake for his part in J-VIC's existence.
They say without the help of U-S Congressman Roy Blunt, J-VIC would not be possible.
Blunt says this project was special because of what it means to downtown.
J-VIC houses Missouri State researchers for both the Center for Applied Science and Engineering and the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences.
The seven story building is also home to J-VIC, Inc... a state designated innovation center.
Phase two of J-VIC construction is set to begin within the next few months.
Phase three is in the planning stage while funding is secured.