ONU to dedicate $19M natural sciences center

10/16/2009

ADA, Ohio — Ohio Northern University is to dedicate its $19 million natural sciences building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today.

The Mathile Center for the Natural Sciences, a 95,000-square-foot research and learning facility, will be celebrated with a 4 p.m. ceremony followed by an open house and tours of the building.

The facility, which university officials said blends hands-on teaching with advanced technology, includes 21 classrooms, five conference rooms, 21 labs, and 34 offices.

Clayton and MaryAnn Mathile gave the lead gift of $10 million for the building. Mr. Mathile is a 1962 graduate of ONU who owned and operated the Iams pet food company before selling it to Procter & Gamble in 1999.