ABERDEEN, S.D. ¡ª Northern State University's Millicent Atkins School of Education will celebrate the completion of major renovations to the historic H.P. Gerber Building with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Friday, Sept. 19. 

The celebration will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 4 to 4:15 p.m., followed by an open house from 4:15 to 5 p.m. Both events will take place at the H.P. Gerber Building on the Northern State University campus. 

The H.P. Gerber Building holds special significance as one of the oldest buildings on campus and the birthplace of Northern State University, which began as a teacher education college. The extensive renovation project, which began in spring 2024, has transformed the building's facilities from traditional teacher-centered classrooms to dynamic learning environments designed to prepare 21st century leaders in education. 

"We want Gerber to be alive. We want it to be the place where students, faculty and staff learn, collaborate, research, study or even just be. I want our building to match the vibrancy of the teaching and learning happening within its walls," said Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education. 

The renovated spaces feature enhanced learning environments that incorporate innovative technology and collaborative areas, moving away from the traditional classroom model to support student-centric instruction. These improvements will directly benefit the hundreds of students and faculty across the School of Education's three departments: Teacher Education, Sports Sciences and Psychology and Counselor Education. 

"We're excited to unveil these improvements and show our community the enhanced facilities that will benefit our students and programs," Schwan said. "The renovations have reconfigured much of the existing space to provide environments conducive to preparing the next generation of professionals and leaders in education, mental health, and physical health." 

During the open house, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the renovated spaces, meet faculty and staff and learn about the innovative programs housed in the H.P. Gerber Building. Attendees will see firsthand how the modernized facilities support authentic, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students to excel in their chosen fields. The event is open to the public. 

The Millicent Atkins School of Education at Northern State University is dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders in education, mental health and physical health. With small class sizes and highly qualified, caring faculty, students receive personalized attention and guidance every step of the way. The school's mission is to prepare, advise and support students to become exceptional professionals who are ready to make a positive impact in their communities. 

Comprised of three departments ¡ª Teacher Education, Sports Sciences and Psychology and Counselor Education ¡ª the Millicent Atkins School of Education offers diverse pathways for those passionate about making a difference. The programs provide hands-on experiences, and the knowledge needed to excel in education, mental health, and physical health. 

For questions about the Gerber Hall ribbon-cutting and open house, or for more information about the Millicent Atkins School of Education, contact Dr. Anna Schwan, dean of the Millicent Atkins School of Education at Northern State University. She can be reached at?anna.schwan@northern.edu?or 605-626-7783.