MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A groundbreaking was held Wednesday for a new $9.5 million STEM center at Whitehaven High School.
The Herbert STEM Center is named after James Herbert, a Whitehaven grad and founder and former CEO of the Michigan-based biotech company Neogen Corporation. Herbert, who had planned to attend the April 3 ceremony, died on March 16 after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Officials said the 18,500 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility aims to inspire young men and women in the Memphis area to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Construction is expected to be completed by spring 2025, and is located adjacent to Whitehaven High, where the gymnasium once stood. Organizers said the new building will be devoted to science education, and in particular, laboratory work.
“By providing 21st century science labs, which are currently lacking at Whitehaven High School, area STEM students will gain the project-based, hands-on education that will ensure they perform at the same level in their college classes as their peers from schools now providing those labs,” said Memphis attorney Richard Myers, who led the project.
The facility’s funding comes from numerous sources, according to organizers, with about 50% from private donations, including James and Judi Herbert.
“I have had the honor and privilege of working with numerous brilliant scientists, engineers, and medical professionals who were responsible for amazing discoveries and advancements that have led to us all living longer, healthier, better lives,” James Herbert said previously. “Each of these brilliant people started somewhere; somewhere, they all gained the inspiration and motivation that drove them toward achieving their tremendous accomplishments. My family and I are contributing toward this STEM facility with the hope of helping the young men and women of the Whitehaven area gain a bit of that inspiration and motivation.”