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For those students who have been wondering what the new building next to the Korbel School of International Studies building is, the answer is a center for students studying global security, policy and diplomacy.

The SIÉ CHÉOU-Kang Center for International Security and Diplomacy at the Josef Korbel School opened Aug. 7. 

The $5 million blue-roofed building is located next to Ben Cherrington Hall. It is approximately 5,500 square feet. The building’s design is reminiscent of Asian architecture in its roof and landscaping. The blue roof is made of blue glazed Asian tiles and the Japanese-style courtyard with a magnolia tree surrounded by rock forms, honors the donor’s Asian roots.   

The Anna and John J. Sie Foundation established the center, as a new resource for students.

According to remarks by John Sie at the opening, the center represents “a new commitment at the university to international security and diplomacy.” He added, “I’m simply overwhelmed.”

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper attended the dedication ceremony and said the building represents the internationalization of not only DU but also Denver and the region.

Named after Sie’s father Sié Chéou-Kang, who was a diplomat, educator, author and playwright, the new center was built using the Green Building Rating System developed by LEEDS, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The center focuses on energy conservation and will also enhance the heating, cooling and air systems in Cherrington Hall.

Beginning in fall 2010, the center will also provide leadership training for SIÉ Fellows by 10 international security specialists and diplomats.

A director for the center has not yet been hired, according to Jim Berscheidt, associate vice chancellor for the office of communications and marketing.