Approximately 200 gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Science Complex at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill campus - the largest construction project ever undertaken on the campus.

Phase 1 of the Science Complex begins with two buildings totaling over $80M. The Physics/Marine Science building includes 3 large lecture halls, an astronomy deck, 2 floors of marine science, and two floors of physics. The Chemistry Building includes wet and dry labs, computational labs, and shared instrument space. The new facilities will provide space for: nanotechnology, materials science, polymer science, separation science, applied mathematics, and sensor technology.

The Groundbreaking Celebration ceremony began with greetings from Chancellor James Moeser; followed by remarks from President Molly Corbett Broad; BOT President Richard "Stick" Williams; and Steering Committee Chair, W. Lowry Caudill. Following the closing by Chancellor Moeser was the viewing of the campus model and cake cutting, a self guided tour of the "Science Trail" and music by the UNC Brass Chamber Ensemble.