Dec 22, 2014 08:55 PM EST By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

The University of Central Arkansas has received a $3 million donation from Conway Corporation to renovate their science center, school officials announced.

The gift, which will be paid out at approximately $600,000 per year over five years, beginning in 2016, will be used for the construction and renovation of the Lewis Science Center on campus.

"This gift from Conway Corporation is one of the most significant developments in the history of the University," UCA President Tom Courtway said in a statement. "These funds will enhance Lewis Science Center and will help provide state-of-the-art laboratories and scientific facilities for our students. It is another manifestation of why Conway Corporation was founded and continues the strong tradition of its support to higher education in Conway."

The Lewis Science Center expansion, a key initiative of the University's Framework for the Future, includes a 50,000 square foot addition for teaching and laboratory space to accommodate current and future teaching methods. Also included in the design will be features allowing for significant improvements in equipment efficiency and energy utilization with LEED certification.

"On behalf of the UCA Board of Trustees and all our faculty, staff and students, we are deeply appreciative of this gift and what it will mean. We sincerely thank the Conway Corporation Board and CEO Richie Arnold. This is truly a transformative gift for our institution," Courtway said.

Conway Corporation's CEO Richard Arnold said the company has at its foundation the support of higher education in our community.

"We were founded for this purpose in 1929 and are proud to continue that tradition," Arnold said. "We realize the importance of the University of Central Arkansas to Conway. This gift will help continue to make UCA a premier institution of regional prominence. It will also enable the University to focus on providing a quality academic infrastructure for its students and faculty."

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