Groundbreaking for Coastal Carolina University's new science annex, Kenneth E. Swain Hall, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 on Prince Lawn near the R. Cathcart Smith Science Center.

Swain, of Myrtle Beach, recently donated one of the largest gifts in the history of the institution.

The 40,000-square-foot addition, which will house the University's health science programs, will be located next to the R. Cathcart Smith Science Center. Construction is expected to begin in early 2010. Swain's gift will support new and expanded teaching, research and service initiatives including student scholarships and faculty endowments, equipment to support the health sciences, and research in areas such as biochemistry and molecular biology, including DNA technology. The building will house approximately 20 science laboratories, supply spaces and much-needed faculty office space.

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