MARINA -- Since its founding about a decade ago, California State University, Monterey Bay, has bestowed higher education in an unlikely setting -- converted buildings in the military ghost town of Fort Ord.

That's changing, and college officials are celebrating.

In a huge step toward forging its own identity, CSUMB on Tuesday showcased its first original construction -- the state-of-the-art Chapman Science Academic Center.

The center's name, which was announced Tuesday, honors the project's chief donors, Patricia and Robert Chapman of Corral de Tierra.

The Chapmans, who have strong ties to both the Salinas Valley and the Monterey Peninsula, agreed to donate $2.5 million, saying they're impressed by the faculty's enthusiasm and innovative ways of teaching science and math.

"We are very fortunate to be a part of this project," said Patricia Chapman, wiping away tears before Tuesday's press conference.

The new, three-story building, located on Third Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues, is a combination of masonry, wood siding and metal siding and glass.

Its 68,000 square feet will house the science and envi-

Robert Chapman was a member of the first, four-year graduating class at Claremont McKenna College, the former Claremont Men's College, so the couple understands the struggles of a new school.

"It's like a raising a child," said Patricia Chapman, who has three sons and eight grandchildren.

The making of CSUMB has called for the renovation of more than 400,000 square feet of military facilities.

Buildings and barracks were painted over with reddish and purplish colors to hide their past purpose.

"This is the turning date of the university," CSUMB President Peter Smith said of the science center. "Their (the Chapmans') generosity is beyond anything."

Until now, the science department has been using a former blood bank of about 4,000 square feet for labs which don't offer enough space for students, especially seniors working on graduation projects and having to compete for space with underclassmen.

In the new center, which will have 13 scientific labs, four will be designated just for those graduation projects.

"With these new facilities, our teaching will be more effective," said Chris Hasegawa, a professor of earth system science and policy, who's been in charge of planning and fund-raising for the new building.

The facility's individual labs, rooms, wings and a courtyard also are named for donors. For example, the Math and Technology Wing is named for Hilton and Roberta Bialek of Carmel, who donated $1 million. The chemistry lab on the second floor bears the names of Bob and Sue Antle of Corral de Tierra, who donated $250,000.

Total donations, at $9 million from more than 60 contributors, covered a third of the construction cost.

"Thanks to the generous donations, students will deepen their knowledge," Smith said. "They will also enable us to deepen our service to the community, our usefulness to the community."

The university also will open a new swimming pool on campus and will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Thursday.