Aurora University - Institute for Collaboration

In early 2003, Aurora University envisioned an ambitious plan to construct a multimillion-dollar "Institute for Collaboration in Education and Health Services", to be housed in a new two-story building. The institute would "support the goals in the No Child Left Behind Act" and would "alleviate the shortages of teachers, school social workers and school nurses in the region", according to various university announcements.

Aurora University constructed the Institute for Collaboration on the south end of University Campus. The new facility includes space for partnerships between the University and two community-based initiatives, Communities in Schools and the Read With Me Foundation. Through Communities in Schools, Aurora schools and children participate in local human services programs. The Read With Me Foundation focuses on community literacy through public service campaigns and volunteer programs. The Institute showcases best practices in preparing future teachers ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the local communities’ 21st century classrooms.

Mr. Rod Malanyaon was the structural engineer for this project that included the design of an offset 2nd and 3rd floor framing grid system. The roof was constructed of prefabricated woods trusses, the 2nd and 3rd floors were constructed of concrete on metal deck with a steel joists and steel framing system. Foundations were cast-in-place concrete continuous and spread footings.

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