Cumberland University Office of Advancement hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony April 22 in Memorial Hall to honor Dr. Robert and Connie Bone for their gift to campus science laboratories. Dr. Bone’s gift was used to install new lab benches, which included updated fixtures, surfaces, sinks and equipment. Chemistry and anatomy-physiology labs were completely renovated.

“Dr. Bone’s generous gift to our science labs has created new learning opportunities for our current students and for future students,” Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bill McKee said. “Our goal at Cumberland is to align students with the best possible academic tools, and Dr. Bone’s gift to our science labs has fostered a high-caliber learning environment for our students.”

The event was attended by Bone family, friends, Cumberland Board of Trust members, faculty, staff and science students. During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Cumberland students and faculty spoke about how Dr. Bone’s gift has made an impact on increasing the learning and understanding of science principles. The event concluded with Dr. Bone, joined by his grandchildren, cutting the ribbon to officially unveil the new science labs.

“The opportunity to honor Dr. Bone and his family for their significant contribution toward Cumberland science labs is special,” Vice President for Advancement Scott Lawrence said. “Not only does a gift of this magnitude directly and immediately impact our students, but it also allows Cumberland to continue to innovate its resources. ”

Science lab renovations were completed in Fall 2018, and several hundred students have benefitted from the upgrades this academic year.