MEDIA ADVISORY: University of Jamestown Health Sciences and Graduate Center Grand Opening
Event celebrates a major gift and the creation of three new graduate programs
Jamestown, ND (01/28/2026) — WHAT: University of Jamestown will host the grand opening and ribboncutting ceremony for its new Health Sciences and Graduate Center, supporting one of the City of Phoenix's core pillar goals-Healthcare and Quality of Life. The new center expands the local bioscience sector and strengthens the region's medical education infrastructure, aligning with priorities outlined by Mayor Kate Gallego.
The celebration marks the launch of three new graduate programs, accompanied by a major gift announcement supporting research that will elevate biodiagnostic capabilities and advance healthcare innovation through education. Attendees will meet the students, educators, business partners, and funders behind these transformative initiatives.
Event link: https://www.uj.edu/events/graduate-research-symposium/
WHEN:
Friday, Jan. 30, 2026
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ribbon Cutting: 12:30 p.m.
WHERE:
University of Jamestown Health Sciences and Graduate Center
4405 E Cotton Center Blvd. Ste 120
Phoenix, AZ 85040
WHO:
- Polly Peterson, PhD, president, University of Jamestown
- Paul Olson, PhD, executive vice president, University of Jamestown
- Kristin Lefebvre, PT, PhD, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the graduate faculty, University of Jamestown
- JoIda C. Hansen, PhD, professor emerita of psychology, University of Minnesota, and trustee, University of Jamestown
- Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix
- John McKillip PhD, professor of microbiology, Ball State University
- Graduate students, faculty and community leaders
DETAILS: University of Jamestown will officially open its new Health Sciences and Graduate Center, which will house three new graduate programs in health sciences (Pathologists' Assistant), digital medicine, and medical sciences. The event features a Graduate Student Research Symposium, a keynote address, and a formal ribboncutting ceremony. University officials will also announce a significant private gift supporting the launch of a new research institute serving the UJ system.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
- 8-8:30 a.m. - Registration, continental breakfast
- 8:30-9 a.m. - Opening remarks by Dr. Polly Peterson, president
- 9-9:30 a.m. - Keynote address: John McKillip, PhD, professor of microbiology, Ball State University "Bioprospecting for Novel Antibiotics to Address the Global MDR Crisis"
- 9:30-10:30 a.m. - Graduate student poster session; Board of Trustees in attendance
- 12:30 p.m. - Ribbon-cutting ceremony with remarks from Mayor Kate Gallego
VISUALS:
- Graduate student research posters and presentations
- Keynote address with faculty and students
- University leadership and community officials
- Mayor Kate Gallego remarks
- Ribbon cutting and exterior/interior shots of new facility
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Jackson
Vice President of Marketing and External Relations
University of Jamestown
email: lisa.jackson@uj.edu
phone: 7014467497
Media Attachments
