The Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Engineering migrated from the old Tawes Hall into the new Compton Science Center in mid-July 2003. Fall classes were held in this new state-of-the-art facility and a dedication ceremony was held in October.

Housing 41 state-of-the-art laboratories as well as classrooms and offices, the center was deemed “the jewel of the university system,” according to Clifford M. Kendall, chair of the University System Board of Regents, during the dedication ceremony.

“It’s the result of incredible collaboration between the state executive branch, the legislature and the university system,” he added.

“These classrooms, offices and labs would be the envy of any institution,” said William E. Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland. “It also shows commitment from the surrounding community,” he said. “One of the greatest strengths of Frostburg State University is the way it connects to the community.”

One unique feature of the new center is a huge Foucault pendulum swinging over a compass designed into the floor of the building’s atrium. The pendulum’s plane of swing seems to move clockwise across the compass, demonstrating the axial rotation of the Earth, explained Joe Hoffman, dean of FSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.

“Jean Bernard Leon Foucault first performed the famous experiment in his basement on Jan. 2, 1851,” said Hoffman. “Now we invite you to come to the Compton Science Center to see the Earth turn,” he said.

Numerous alumni in the sciences attended the Homecoming weekend reception for the building, but visitors are welcome throughout the year to tour the new facility.

An exterior view of the new Compton Science Center	The Foucault pendulum in the second floor atrium

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