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The dedication of the Arthur P. Girard Innovation Hall took place on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, on UNE’s Portland Campus.

Over the years, local developer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Art Girard and his family have made several generous gifts to UNE.

“Art’s vision and generosity have been instrumental to UNE’s growth over the past decade,” commented 91ֱ����ƵPresident James Herbert.

In 2014 Girard and his family gifted Ram Island in Saco Bay.

“I grew up on the waters of Saco Bay, and I have always had an interest in these coastal waters,” explained Girard.” I knew UNE’s Marine Science programs would benefit from having Ram Island as a place for students to carry out research.”

The island serves as a marine research field station for UNE’s Marine Science programs based out of the Arthur P. Girard Marine Science Center.

The former National Guard armory, now housing Innovation Hall, has a special connection to Girard.

“In 1947, I used to play baseball in the field behind the armory,” he said. “When I enlisted there in 1952, I met my role model, Sgt. Asdourian. It has come full circle to have the building named for me.”

The Arthur P. Girard Innovation Hall is the home to UNE’s Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center, seven simulation labs with adjoining fully-equipped control rooms, debriefing rooms, as well as additional classrooms and a large-scale function space.

“This facility named in Art’s honor will be central to UNE’s creation of a unique health sciences campus in Portland, where we will train the next generation of doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and other health care professionals, while conducting cutting-edge biomedical research,” said Herbert.