CSU Stanislaus Opens New John Rogers Faculty Center


California State University, Stanislaus officially opened its new John Stuart Rogers Faculty Development Center, one of the premier facilities of its kind in the country, with an inaugural ceremony on March 4.

The $3-million center, made possible by a gift from the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, features mountain lodge architecture and offers an expansive view of Warrior Lake. Previously, the faculty development office was located in a small space in the Vasche Library and held its workshops and conferences at locations scattered across the campus.

“This is a special place for faculty and staff where they can feel a sense of ownership as a part of the campus community,” said Dr. Armin Schulz, a Professor of Teacher Education who was appointed director in December. “This facility will serve as a place where faculty will find support for their work and teaching through workshops, guest lectures and technological support. It will also serve as a central location to meet, greet and talk.”

Open since January, the Center has already scheduled 48 technology workshops, 5 major lecture series and 120 faculty workshops. Faculty now have the opportunity to collaborate with university instructional technology experts, form research partnerships and work on multimedia projects in the center’s labs.

The new building will serve as headquarters for the University’s Academic Senate, California Faculty Association, Office for Assessment of Student Learning, and Office of Service Learning.
Featuring a large entryway and an outdoor courtyard between two wings, the 12,000-square-foot facility includes a main reference and conference room for 100, two computer laboratories, offices, meeting rooms and a kitchen facility.

Lunch is served at the Center Monday through Friday for faculty and staff.

University President Marvalene Hughes publicly thanked John Stuart Rogers, president of the Rogers Foundation, who attended the ceremony with his wife, June.

“We are so very privileged to be the recipient of the unprecedented generosity of John and June Rogers, both of whom share our vision of educational excellence,” said Dr. Marvalene Hughes, President of CSU Stanislaus. “We not only dedicate this tremendous new state-of-the art facility, but also thank and celebrate John and June for enabling us to enhance our professional growth and excellence in teaching and learning.”

John Stuart Rogers said the Center will be a great asset to the University, noting that CSU Stanislaus is serving a great need in this region that the Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation has been pleased to help meet.

“We care about this university and the community and are happy to be able to help the many causes in this area,” Rogers said.

The Mary Stuart Rogers Foundation, headquartered in Modesto, contributes to education, health and social causes throughout the country. John Rogers, a graduate of Willamette University, is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who retired from the Air Force as a colonel in 1989. He is president and CEO of Sky Trek Aviation in Modesto.

Contact: Don Hansen (209) 667-3997