New communication building wins magazine award
The new School of Communication building has caught the eye of the construction community.

Southwest Contractor, a Phoenix-based magazine that covers the commercial construction industry in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico, has recognized the school's renovations and additions in its "Best of 2004" awards list.

The $12.4 million project won in the category of "Best Renovation over $5 million." Judges were impressed by the additions of graphic design labs, photographic dark rooms, the First Amendment-engraved metal plate by the main entry and the student-run TV that remained functional during demolition and construction.

Rich Bowen, interim vice president for Administration and Finance, was pleased with the collaborative effort that went into the project. "This project was a true partnership effort among the architects, contractors, NAU administration and the dean, faculty and staff of the School of Communication," he said.

The awards are meant to recognize the annual accomplishments of the industry.

The judges, chosen based on their industry experience and specialty, picked the communications school out of 90 Arizona submissions.

Bowen expressed optimism for all the current improvement projects on campus and added, "This award reflects NAU's commitment to provide high-quality, state-of-the-art facilities for our students."