Faculty, staff and University officials broke ground last Thursday on UConn's new chemistry building, the first academic building under UConn 2000.

President Philip E. Austin called the groundbreaking a "highly significant day" in the history of the University.

"We are witnessing more and more public-private partnerships like this venture," he said. "The confidence Connecticut has placed in this research university makes this all possible."

Construction on the building actually began in late winter on the site of Widmer Cottage, next to Swan Lake. The cottage, which once housed School of Nursing programs, was razed.

Mark Emmert, chancellor and provost for University affairs, said the new building will further the University's reputation by providing an environment for scholarship.

"We look forward to the completion of this building, certainly," Emmert said. "But more than that we look forward to the first set of classes, to the first students from those classes to receive Goldwater awards and faculty to win young investigator grants and receive recognition from the National Science Foundation."

Austin and Emmert were joined at the ceremony by chemistry department head Gary Epling, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration research scientist Susan Solomon and about 200 onlookers.

The $57 million chemistry building has yet to be named. It is scheduled to be completed in July 1998.

The current Charles E. Waring Chemistry Building will be renovated for faculty offices and other uses.

The chemistry groundbreaking was only the first of many UConn 2000 projects about to start in earnest. Groundbreaking for new South Campus residence halls is scheduled for May 7. The project has been sent out to bid.

In addition, a new, $19 million School of Business Administration is in the design phase, with groundbreaking set for next year. A $9.3 million parking garage is about to go to bid, with groundbreaking expected in May.

Meanwhile, work on UConn's new downtown Stamford campus is continuing. The $62 million project is expected to be completed by the fall.