Goucher College to receive $2 million for science and sustainability

Goucher College will receive $2 million from the federal government to support sciences and sustainability initiatives. This support is a part of the direct federal funding for local projects that U.S. senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and U.S. Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger secured for the Baltimore region in the fiscal year 2023 omnibus spending bill recently signed into law by President Joe Biden. 

“By expanding the classroom offerings for students in the STEM fields, this earmark helps prepare Maryland’s workforce to thrive in the modern innovation economy. And by helping Goucher reduce its dependence on fossil fuels while spending less on its utilities – by up to $2 million annually – this direct federal investment advances the goals of both the university and our country,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin. “Team Maryland is proud to work together to deliver critical investments throughout our state and will continue striving to deliver additional resources in the future.” 

A key component of that support is $1.25 million that Goucher will receive to outfit its life sciences and health sciences teaching labs with state-of-the-art equipment, which will enable the college to enhance the science experience for students and effectively double the number of students it can admit to its biology, biochemistry, chemistry, neuroscience, pre-nursing, and pre-med programs. 

“These direct federal investments will support Goucher’s efforts to prepare more students for fulfilling careers in the critical areas of science, tech, and health care while also building a greener, more sustainable campus. I’ll keep working to invest in Maryland’s schools and students, because their success makes our state stronger,” said U.S. Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

The funding also included $750,000 to support Goucher with the installation of photovoltaic solar panels (PVP) across campus grounds and rooftops, which will allow the college to significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and reduce its electricity costs.

“I am proud of the work my committee has done on behalf of the American taxpayers, making responsible investments in our most urgent priorities here at home and across the globe,” Congressman Ruppersberger said.

In the fall of 2022, the college announced its intention to build the Science Innovation Center. With almost every student having to take a science course, the Science Innovation Center, as an annex to Hoffberger Science Building, will be a vital component to supporting success and sustainability in STEM fields for students and will build on the values of a liberal arts education that Goucher holds at the core of its mission.

“We are very thankful for the work of senators Van Hollen and Cardin and Congressman Ruppersberger to secure vital funding for the sciences and sustainability at Goucher College,” said Goucher College President Kent Devereaux. “Goucher has a strong legacy in the sciences and commitment to sustainability, and these investments underscore the importance of continuing this critical work for future generations of students.”

In 2015 Goucher launched [UNDAUNTED], a comprehensive campaign to raise $100 million to enhance campus facilities, enrich students’ experience, endow professorships, and establish scholarships. To date, the community has raised more than $83 million and has completed four transformational capital projects—the First-Year Village, Mary Fisher Dining Center, Evelyn Dyke Schroedl ’62 Tennis Center, and the Froelicher Hall relocation—each of which has enhanced the opportunities for the community. The Science Innovation Center will mark the final stage of the [UNDAUNTED] campaign.