Written by Jacobs Staff Thursday, 01 April 2010 11:14
"Last year, the Senate Democrats put together landmark legislation that included a $31 billion statewide construction plan," Jacobs said. "The effects of the capital plan are still being seen and in many cases, just beginning. This is a project that will put people to work, not to mention benefit students for years to come." The expansion will allow WIU-QC to further its mission as a comprehensive public university for the region by serving more than 3,250 Quad Cities-area students. WIU-QC currently serves more than 1,450 students and the Riverfront Campus will focus on coursework in technology, business, health care, and education, in addition to offering an MBA program and other programs that meet identified needs. "This new facility will encourage students not to leave the community in search of schools," Jacobs said. "It will also draw new students in and keep them here with new programs and graduate studies. Soon our riverfront will entertain new life with students and businesses moving in to the area to meet students’ needs. I am confident in the success of this facility and thank all those in support. This is a great opportunity for our children, our community and our future."
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Wednesday marked the groundbreaking for Building One on the $62 million Western Illinois University – Quad Cities’ Riverfront Campus. State Senator Mike Jacobs (D – Moline) lead the charge in securing funding for this project through last year’s capital plan.
Building One, the former John Deere Tech Center, will support the College of Business and Technology, including the School of Engineering, academic and student services, and University administration. In the near future, groundbreaking on Building Two will commence, allowing for continued growth of the Quad Cities campus and enable academic programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, Education and Human Services, and Fine Arts and Communication to be part of the Riverfront Campus.
Senator Jacobs Menu
36th District
Years served: 2005 - Present (Senate)
Committee assignments: Committee of the Whole; Insurance; Appropriations I; Revenue; Telecommunications & Technology (Vice-Chairperson); Energy (Chairperson); Revenue Subcomm. on Special Issues; Subcommittee on Insurance Mandates.
Biography: Appointed to Senate on February 9, 2005; born June 25, 1960, in Moline, Illinois; B.S. in political studies from University of Illinois at Springfield; M.S., political science, University of West Florida; former Downstate Liaison to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White; fourth generation family member to serve in the Illinois General Assembly; married (wife, Beth Wendt), has one son, Elliott.