The Josef Korbel School of International Studies held its groundbreaking ceremony for the Anna and John J. Sie International Relations Complex from 8-9 a.m. Sept. 23 outside Ben Cherrington Hall. With over 400 people in attendance, speakers included Chair of the DU Board of Trustees Doug Scrivner, Chancellor Rebecca Chopp, Korbel Dean Chris Hill, philanthropists John and Anna Sie and the 66th U.S. Secretary of State and DU alumna Dr. Condoleezza Rice.
“Today is made possible thanks to the enormous generosity of Anna and John Sie,” said Scrivner. “Through their support, we will soon begin construction of a dazzling addition to this beautiful campus.”
According to Scrivner, the new building will feature several signature DU elements, including multi-century stone masonry and a tower with the same blue accents of the Sie Chéou-Kang Center’s roof.
“Some of the highlights inside of the building will include a grand main entrance below the tower where the university will welcome the world to Denver, a first floor forum where students will gather to host meetings, presentations and to debate the issues of the day and a preeminent event space on the top floor that will offer amazing panoramic views of our mountains,” Scrivner said.
Chopp said she feels this new addition will aid students in their understanding of how to live ethical lives, engage in right action and better comprehend just how intertwined the world really is.
“This building marks a new stage for us,” said Chopp. “Probably no time in history is it more important to have educated leaders in international affairs and in globalization.”
Rice agreed with the importance of having educated leaders in globalization. A former music-turned-international studies major, Rice said she found her true passion in an international relations class taught by Josef Korbel, the founding Dean of the DU School of International Studies, himself.
“The [Sie] International Complex [that] will allow this great school to push forward,” said Rice. “It will allow this great school to find more Condi Rices who are searching out there for what they might do, and decide that they belong in a world quite different from their own . . . [one that] needs the diversity of talents and people who can find and make sense of our common humanity when so much tries to tear us apart.”
Sophomore psychology and communications double-major Lauren Leifeste from Tulsa, Okla. said she was thrilled to hear Rice speak.
“I thought it was really neat that Condoleezza Rice was back on campus to speak to us students as well as answer some of our questions,” said Leifeste. “I mean, getting tips from Condoleezza Rice on better ways to succeed? I’ll take it.”
Hill went on to explain the inspiration he found in the Complex being a product of two immigrants—John immigrated to the U.S. from China, and Anna immigrated from Italy.
“We truly have, I think, one of the most inspired designs thanks to [campus architect] Mark Rogers, and thanks to the great team from Anderson Mason Dale, led by Andy Nielsen,” said Hill.
The building will be constructed by the Weitz company and is scheduled for completion by winter 2016.
