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BSC to name hall after former president and arts and humanities advocate at May 8 ceremony | Bismarck State College

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BSC to name hall after former president and arts and humanities advocate at May 8 ceremony

Published: May 02 2024
BSC to name hall after former president and arts and humanities advocate at May 8 ceremony - Photo
Former Bismarck State College president Dr. Larry C. Skogen will soon have a building named in his honor on the college campus he served for 13 years. On Wed., May 8, at 1:30 p.m., BSC will hold a ceremony to name LEA Hall after the college’s sixth president.

Skogen served BSC from 2007 to 2020. The decision to name the hall after him is a reflection of how his passion, dedication, leadership, and commitment to advancing the arts and humanities positioned BSC to fulfill this need within the BSC and Bismarck-Mandan communities. During his time as president, Skogen was dedicated not only to the arts but also to expanding students’ abilities within and access to the arts – creating a college and culture of learning. In addition, he understood the critical importance of a modern library and how it is central to all students, especially those in humanities, arts and transfer programs.

LEA Hall opened to students and the public in 2015 and, at the time, was given its current name to represent the academic areas located inside. The 40,000-square-foot facility brought BSC's English and Visual Arts departments together into a modern space, and it replaced the college’s aging library with a 21st century learning commons.

The three-story brick building includes full library offerings, art studio spaces, a campus art gallery, eight high-tech classrooms, and faculty office space. Situated in the heart of the BSC campus at the corner of Edwards Avenue and Schafer Street, the building has views of the Missouri River, Capitol building, Tom O'Leary Golf Course, and downtown Bismarck. It is connected by a skyway to the Jack Science Center, and an arts courtyard behind the building showcases a beautifully manicured outdoor space for students and visitors.

The building naming ceremony will be held outside the BSC Library, 1400 Schafer St, and will include the unveiling of the hall’s new name signage. Following the program, refreshments will be served in the BSC Library. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors.