Meteorology-geography center to be dedicated Saturday

Thu, March 24, 2005 |

A new state-of-the-art center for Valparaiso University’s growing geography and meteorology programs will be dedicated April 30 in a ceremony featuring award-winning meteorologist Tom Skilling as keynote speaker.

The public is invited to attend the 2 p.m. dedication of Kallay-Christopher Hall, the new home of VU’s Department of Geography and Meteorology, and rededication of Schnabel Hall, which was renovated as part of the $7.5 million project.

“This project has given students in Valparaiso’s geography, meteorology and communication programs more opportunities for hands-on experiences with the latest technology,” said Dr. Jon Kilpinen, chair of VU’s Department of Geography and Meteorology. “It’s a tremendous learning environment for our students.”

Kallay-Christopher Hall features a 20-station Weather Center for meteorology students, an outdoor observation deck and weather balloon launch area plus a laboratory/map file classroom for geography students.

Next year, Valparaiso is scheduled to complete installation of a Doppler radar system on campus to provide an additional resource for meteorology students. VU will be one of a handful of universities in the nation – and the only one of its size – to have Doppler radar. Data collected from it is expected to provide a much better understanding of weather in Northwest Indiana.

Students also benefit from the location of Kallay-Christopher Hall next to Schnabel Hall. Renovation of Schnabel Hall includes the addition of a new weather television studio, where students interested in broadcast meteorology learn how to produce weather reports.

Communication students also benefit from a new digital video editing lab and more classroom space in Schnabel Hall.

VU’s meteorology program has grown by 700 percent in the past decade. During the 1993-1994 academic year there were 17 meteorology majors enrolled. This year, nearly 120 students are working towards a major in meteorology.

Following the dedication ceremony, Kallay-Christopher and Schnabel halls will be open to the public, with students providing tours and demonstrating the features and technology incorporated into the buildings. The open house will conclude at 5 p.m.

VU meteorology students intern frequently with Chicago’s WGN-TV meteorologist Skilling, who has established himself as a nationally respected meteorologist and a favorite of area viewers for his in-depth reports, enthusiasm and use of state-of-the-art technology.

Skilling won the Illinois Broadcasters Association’s award for Best Weather Show in 2004, as well as the 2003 Silver Dome Award for Best Television Weathercast. Several documentaries by Skilling have received awards and been distributed widely for educational purposes, including the Emmy award winning “The Sears Tower Versus Mother Nature.” He also won an Emmy in 1994 as host of “The Cosmic Challenge,” a children’s educational program about space.

He has received awards for outstanding public service from the National Weather Service and the American Meteorology Society.

Kallay-Christopher Hall, which opened for the start of spring classes, is named in honor of the late Dr. Ferencz Kallay, former professor of geography, and the Christopher family, which provided the principal gift that led to construction of the 16,830-suqare-foot building. Schnabel Hall is named for Dr. Robert Schnabel, VU president from 1978 to 1988.