College campus in Surprise celebrating $57M in new construction

PHOENIX — Ottawa University-Arizona’s campus in Surprise is set to commemorate the completion of three major construction projects totaling $57 million.

Two ribbon cutting ceremonies will be held at the campus’ new facilities on Feb. 21 and will be attended by OUAZ President Dennis Tyner, Ottawa University Chancellor Kevin Eichner, local representatives, as well as guests of honor and OU alumni Jim and Jeanne O’Dell.

The O’Dells’ generosity made the construction project possible by contributing the single largest donation in the history of the college.

The new additions to the campus include the $12.2 million OUAZ Student Center, the $19.8 million Scholars Hall and the $25 million O’Dell Center for Athletics

OUAZ President Dennis Tyner touted completion of the construction projects as showcasing the college’s “continued investment in academic excellence, student development and campus life,” according to a press release.

“The addition of multi-purpose science rooms, a dedicated cafeteria, residential living spaces, health and wellness facilities, and student study pods has transitioned the campus into a true living, learning community and has infused the campus with positive energy both day and night,” Tyner said.

Completed in the fall of last year, the new facilities will be open to students for the first time during the upcoming spring semester.

The finished additions to the OUAZ campus are just the latest for a university that has been growing for over 150 years. Ottawa University was founded in 1865 in Ottawa, Kansas, and originally had only one building.

In addition to its Surprise location, Ottawa University also has campuses in Phoenix and Queen Creek.

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