The Sanford Institute for Public Policy recently broke ground on a new two-story building that will double the Institute's space.This additional space will allow for the centralization of several programs that are spread across campus, and accommodate the past, present and future growth of one of the University's most popular undergraduate majors.
Currently, one of the foremost shortcomings of the Sanford Institute is the fact that it lacks sufficient space to house all of its diverse programs, faculty and courses in the existing building. Many Sanford programs are located on Main West or off-campus, including the Center for Child and Family Policy, the Center for Health Policy and the U.S.-Southern Africa Center for Leadership Values. The new building will house each of these programs, in addition to providing extra faculty office and teaching space. One of the strongest selling points of the public policy program is the feeling of community amongst students, staff and faculty, and the centralization that will follow from the construction of the new building will definitely enhance the community experience for everyone.
The Sanford Institute should also be commended for financing the majority of the facility's construction on its own. The building, which will be constructed across the lawn from the existing one, will cost $12 million. The Sanford Institute raised $7 million on its own, including a $1 million donation by the Coca-Cola Foundation. Another $5 million donation from Duke alumni David Rubenstein will also be partially directed towards the project. Though a portion of the $12 million will come from University funds, the Public Policy program's ability to raise such a substantional sum serves as testament to its increasing reputation, growth and marketability.
Additionally, the new building will house the Susan Bennet King Multimedia and Instructional Technology Center. This facility will benefit all pubic policy students, in particular those pursuing the fledgling journalism certificate. The public policy program is inherently an interdisciplinary major, and the addition of a resource like this multimedia center will greatly enhance professors' ability to present material from a wide range of sources in innovative and progressive ways.
The Sanford Institute houses one of Duke's fastest-growing, most popular and unique programs. The new building will afford the Institute the space and resources to continue its pursuit of excellence.
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