Members of St. Maarten Government Join AUC and DeVry Education Group Leadership for Grand Opening

Just 19 months after breaking ground on the first phase of a major campus expansion project, American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) officially opened the doors on a new academic building, ushering in a new era for the institution. AUC welcomed government, community and university leaders today, who joined in celebration of this major milestone. The new building houses an anatomy lab, clinical skills training lab, simulation center and 400-seat auditorium, as well as faculty offices and additional study and learning spaces for students.

“This a momentous occasion for AUC and the DeVry Education Group, which has fully supported AUC’s mission and demonstrated their commitment to high-quality medical education,” said Heidi Chumley, M.D., executive dean of AUC. “This investment is not only in our campus, but in the community of St. Maarten.”

Dr. Chumley was joined at the dedication by university colleagues and students, and members of the St. Maarten government, including Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams.

“You can imagine my pride, our pride, when we witnessed this building going up and seeing it completed today,” said Prime Minister Wescot-Williams. The prime minister also recognized AUC’s community involvement. “As you entered this hall you would have seen some of the many organizations with whom this school has worked with already, and I know that group will only continue to grow.”

Construction on the new academic facility commenced in June 2012, only 10 months after AUC was acquired by DeVry Education Group. The $30 million project was conceived to bring updated technologies and physical space improvements that would complement AUC’s strong learning culture. Ronald Testa, Ph.D., dean of medical sciences, said, “AUC has nurtured an academic community where students, faculty and staff work cooperatively toward the common good. We are delighted to enhance this high-touch learning environment with a high-tech facility that will support our learners.” Dr. Testa noted that AUC faculty, staff and students provided input in the early stages of the building’s planning and design.

At the building dedication, AUC also recognized the work of several community organizations, and presented contributions to the St. Maarten AIDS Foundation and the St. Maarten Diabetes Foundation.

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