Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University

From left to right: Master of Ceremonies Brian McDonough, MD’85, School of Medicine Board of Visitors chair E. Ronald Salvitti, MD’63, School of Medicine Dean John M. Daly, MD’73, Temple University President Ann Weaver Hart, Board of Trustees chair Patrick O’Connor, School of Medicine student government president Daniel Mueller and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
Photo by Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University

With a simple snip, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and other dignitaries cut the ribbon on the new Medical Education and Research Building, the largest building project in the history of Temple. The $163 million structure — complete with a stunning glass façade and welcoming water wall, has been impressing thousands since opening in August, and was officially dedicated during Friday’s ceremonies.

The new, 11-story structure is massive, boasting 480,000 square feet. A tour throughout reveals six floors dedicated solely to research, with open labs conducive to collaboration. The building is outfitted with more than 16 flexible classrooms, a robotic simulation center that allows students to practice on life-like mannequins, and a virtual learning gross anatomy lab. A combined library for the Health Sciences Center brings together medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing and related health professions students at the new site. However, the Medical Education and Research Building is more than just a collection of labs and libraries; it symbolizes the school’s commitment to medical education and health care for the community of North Philadelphia and beyond.

The Medical Education and Research Building is the new home for 567 faculty, scientists and support staff, with two shelled floors pegged for research. Through the sale of bonds, the university was able to raise $50 million and received another $50 million from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with various philanthropic sources covering the remaining balance for the building’s cost.

Friday’s dedication featured remarks by Daly, O’Connor and Hart, as well as Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, Master of Ceremonies and Temple alumnus Brian McDonough, MD’85, E. Ronald Salvitti, MD ’63, School of Medicine Board of Visitors chair and fourth-year med student and School of Medicine student body president Daniel Mueller. Performances were offered by the Zion Baptist Church and Community Choir and the members of the Diamond Marching band.

The ceremony was part of a three-day opening celebration that included symposia, building tours and a day-long education and community service showcase.