Indiana University East is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Danielson Learning Center with an open house from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, August 7. The Danielson Center is located at 300 Trojan Lane in New Castle, Ind. The center opened in 1999.

The open house will celebrate the center’s accomplishments and reaffirm IU East’s dedication to provide services and promote post secondary education in Henry County. The mission of the Danielson Center is to help improve the county’s economic viability and quality of life by coordinating and expanding local resources.

Chancellor Kathryn Cruz-Uribe said, “The partnership between IU East and the Danielson Center is a wonderful example of the dedication Henry County has to higher education and the vitality of its community. The community came together 15 years ago to see this venture come to fruition and today we celebrate the accomplishments of the center, its friends, current students and alumni.”

During the celebration, Danny Danielson will deliver remarks at 5:30 p.m. on the history of the Danielson Center. Chancellor Cruz-Uribe will present on the center’s future.

Visitors may tour the building and receive information on the baccalaureate degree programs offered by IU East in New Castle, including General Studies, Business Administration, and the RN to BSN. The center also offers non-credit courses for personal enrichment through continuing education opportunities.

The Henry County Foundation will contribute $5 toward scholarships for each visitor who completes a tour.

The Danielson Center was made possible after a group of residents, now formed as the Danielson Education Council, Inc., saw the need for higher education housed within their community. Danny and Patty Danielson challenged the community to raise money to build the center and the campaign raised $1 million for construction of the center. The first courses were held in fall 1999. There were 159 students enrolled for course work.

Through collaboration, IU East helps to maintain and broaden the scope and quality of Henry County’s employment opportunities and improve the quality of life in the region.