KU Edwards Campus to open Regnier Hall

OVERLAND PARK, KAN. - The University of Kansas Edwards Campus will celebrate the grand opening of Victor and Helen Regnier Hall with a week of events that will provide something for everyone.

The events, to take place the week of Aug. 9 - 12, will celebrate completion of the $17.8 million, 82,000-square-foot Victor and Helen Regnier Hall. The new building features 21 classrooms, a 240-seat auditorium and offices for 45 faculty members. It is part of a proposed $70 million expansion of the campus.

KU Edwards Campus Vice Chancellor Robert M. Clark says the expansion will benefit the community educationally, culturally and economically.

"A compelling strength of a great research university is the intellectual and cultural climate it brings to a community," said Clark. "We are excited to take this first step toward bringing this strength of KU to Johnson County and the greater Kansas City region."

All of the events will take place at the Edwards Campus, 12600 Quivira Road in Overland Park. Each evening offers a variety of activities.

• Monday, August 9, from 5 to 7 p.m., is Family night, which includes the Kansas City Symphony hosting an "instrument petting zoo" and Science City hosting a "grossology" exhibit.
• Tuesday, August 10, at 7:30 p.m., the KU Hall Center for Humanities is hosting a lecture entitled, "Winston Churchill: Why was he the unquestioned tribal leader in Britain's hour of crisis?"
• Wednesday, August 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. is KU Athletics night with KU Basketball Coach Bill Self answering fans' questions at 5:30, signing autographs at 6:15, along with an appearance by Baby Jay and a 61 Sports Radio remote.
• Thursday, August 12, at 7 p.m. the KU Lied Center is presenting a performance by the Kansas Brass Quintet, "Old Time Band in the Park."

Each evening, in addition to the events, architects from Gould Evans will be giving tours at 6 and 6:30 p.m. The KU Bookstore will be open until 7 p.m. on August 9 and 11, with bookstore coupons available at all events.

For more information about the KU Edwards Campus Regnier Hall grand opening week events, visit edwardscampus.ku.edu.