McRobbie, Hutton unveil cornerstone for new Honors College expected in Dec. 2008

More than a hundred people gathered in Dunn Meadow Wednesday for the new Hutton Honors College cornerstone ceremony, which marks the beginning stages of its construction at the corner of Seventh Street and Woodlawn Avenue.\n“It will be a distinctive building that will enhance the IU campus,” said University President Michael McRobbie, noting that the building’s style will still fit that of IU’s, known for its limestone and grey slate tiling. “(The Hutton Honors College) will finally have the space and accommodations it has \nlong deserved.”\nDisplayed for public viewing on the lawn were blueprints and drawings of the new building. The new building will be two floors high with more space and accommodations than the old building. Its amenities will include study lounges, offices for the Honors College dean and faculty, classrooms, a library and resource room and a “great room” for speakers, receptions and large events.\nThe cornerstone unveiled by Edward L. Hutton and student trustee A.D. King, reads the ceremony’s date along with a quote from Hutton: “Let’s make the world a better place.”\nHonors College Interim Dean Jean C. Robinson said the cornerstone will also act as a time capsule, filled with various memorabilia from the college, including the ceremony’s invitation, a scroll of the honors students, videos and DVDs about the college and \nother items.\nMcRobbie opened the ceremony not to only honor the building and the cornerstone, but to thank Hutton, an IU alumnus whom the building and honor’s program is named after, for his generosity and “unwavering support” for IU.\n“Hutton is passionate to give students the opportunity to broaden their cultural studies,” McRobbie said. “His effect on students’ lives is immeasurable.”\nThe building is expected to cost $3.6 million and a gift from Hutton will fund it. \nKing, who is also a student in the Honors College, believes the building will be a strong recruiting draw for students interested in \nthe school.\n“It’s going to provide the infrastructure and accommodations that will attract the best and brightest students,” King said.\nHutton said the new space is vital for students, something he put much thought into while pulling ideas together in the \nplanning stages.\n“A program like this deserves a home, a place for students to identify with on campus,” Hutton said. “It’s going to be a place to swap stories on their experiences abroad and from here on campus.”\nThe building is expected to be completed by December 2008, according to an IU press release.