Northern Kentucky University celebrated a milestone in the expansion of the Dorothy Westerman Herrmann Science Center with a “topping-out” ceremony on Oct. 23.
University leaders, students, faculty, staff and representatives from Skanska USA Building and Omni Architects gathered to mark the placement of the final steel beam on the 85,400 square-foot addition to the existing science center.
The ceremony commemorates the structural completion of the new facility, which will consolidate several academic programs into a STEM-focused hub.
The expansion will enhance lab and student research space for departments, including biological sciences and engineering technology. It will also renovate 19,000 square feet of the existing building to modernize collaborative learning areas.
“This topping out marks a moment of pride and progress for NKU,” said NKU President Cady Short-Thompson in a press release. “We are building more than just a facility—we are building opportunity. This expansion strengthens our commitment to excellence in STEM+Health education and research, and it positions NKU as a regional leader in innovation and workforce development.”
Since the original Herrmann Science Center opened in 2002, student demand for STEM programs has surged by 50%, according to the university.
The expanded center will support this growth, “increase external research funding and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration,” per the release.
It will also serve as a hub for K-12 STEM outreach.
The project is funded by a $79.9 million capital investment approved by the Kentucky General Assembly in the 2022–2024 biennial budget, along with $6 million in asset preservation funds.
Completion is expected in spring 2027.