FY 2018 Popular Annual Financial Report FY 2018 Popular Annual Financial Report | Page 16

Popular Support Quality Education A successful community requires a variety of support systems and an environment that enables educational opportunities to flourish. Residents, students and families seek a community with desirable choices and a culture of achievement. Arlington strives for quality public, private and higher education for our community. The synergy between educational institutions, the municipal corporation, the private sector and the community can help ensure success and achievement for all students. Focusing on supporting quality education will attract new residents and businesses that will invest in our economy. The ‘Library of Tomorrow’ Opens in Downtown The George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, a three-story, 80,000-square-foot library of tomorrow, opened to much fanfare in June 2018. The bright, colorful children’s section quickly earned a spot on Book Riot’s 13 Awesome Children’s Libraries around the U.S. list. The Friends and Foundation of the Arlington Public Library has helped raise nearly $7.6 million as part of the Downtown Library’s $8-million capital campaign. Thasunda Duckett, CEO of Chase Consumer Banking and a Sam Houston High School graduate, was the library’s largest individual donor. The Otis and Rosie Brown Living Room on the library’s first floor is named in honor of Duckett’s parents. UT Arlington Celebrates Opening of SEIR Building The University of Texas at PAGE 16 Annual Arlington inaugurated its new $125- million Science and Engineering Innovation and Research building in September 2018. This facility will contribute to pushing UTA forward as a leading health science research and teaching institution. The research laboratory and classroom facility specializes in interdisciplinary research around major health science challenges, such as brain health, cancer, cardiovascular health, healthy aging and rehabilitative medicine. AISD’s New Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center Shapes Young Lives The Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center offers state-of-the-art courses in career and technical fields to all district high schools. The building, dedicated in February 2018, accommodates 4,800 students every two days and features programs in animation, architecture, automotive, biomedical science, broadcasting, cosmetology, construction, culinary/ hospitality, engineering, Fire Academy, health sciences, information technology, law enforcement, photography, precision metal manufacturing, welding and more. Other Education News • The Gene and Jerry Jones Arlington Youth Foundation, NFL Foundation, and Hellas Construction donated $1.85 million for a new football field at Workman Junior High School. The project was announced as part of the NFL Draft in Arlington. • Arlington ISD’s Berry Elementary received a $70,000-library makeover thanks to the Big 12 Conference, Dr. Pepper and the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers Initiative. • The City began a $378,000-bond- funded renovation project at the Woodland West Branch Library. • The Arlington Public Library received a grant to help children and families get ready to start school through the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten nationwide challenge. • UT Arlington celebrated its largest graduating class in May 2018, conferring nearly 6,400 degrees.