Nevada Cancer Institute Opens Ralph and Betty Engelstad Cancer Research Building
Source: Nevada Cancer Institute
Oct 28, 2009 - 1:01:44 PM
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New facility will focus on individual laboratories, supporting clinical research and expanding basic and translational research
Las Vegas, Oct. 28, 2009 – Yesterday, Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) opened the doors to the Ralph and Betty Engelstad Cancer Research Building, allowing the Institute to take the next step in fulfilling its research mission.
Community leaders, NVCI staff, faculty, donors, supporters and patients gathered for a dedication to celebrate the opening of the third major building on the Institute’s rapidly growing campus and the first solely devoted to research.
The new facility contains more than 184,000 square feet and is dedicated exclusively to research, housing up to 40 individual laboratories on three floors for investigators and their teams, as well as shared resources to support clinical research and expanded basic and translational research. It is the single largest dedicated research facility in the state.
In September 2008, the Engelstad Family Foundation of Las Vegas generously committed a $20 million gift to the Institute for the expansion, demonstrating the commitment of the foundation to curing cancer and investing in Nevada’s health care needs.
Kris Engelstad McGarry, daughter of Ralph and Betty Engelstad said: “We are thrilled to see the physical result of our donation and are humbled that it will make an indelible impact on future generations.”
Dr. John C. Ruckdeschel, NVCI Director and CEO said the dedication marks a truly remarkable moment in the timeline of Nevada Cancer Institute’s history.
“We are entering a new phase of our development as we position ourselves to become the first and only National Cancer Institute, Comprehensive Cancer Center in Nevada,” Dr. Ruckdeschel said. “This building will allow us to enhance our research efforts by providing the valuable laboratory space needed so we can continue to grow our research areas and recruit world-class scientists and their teams to Nevada.”
Ruckdeschel continued: “Our goal is to recruit more physician-scientists, develop more area of expertise and bring more cutting-edge technology to the state. This dedicated research facility will help us immeasurably as we continue to recruit the best and brightest researchers from all over the world.”
The new building mirrors the innovative architecture of its current two buildings. The developer is the American Nevada Company, and the contractor is The Korte Company.
Greg Korte, president of The Korte Company said: “Knowing that we are having a tangible effect on cancer research and treatment for years to come has been inspiring. This project really has been a labor of love for everybody on the team.”
Bruce Deifik, president and chief operating officer of The Greenspun Corporation and president and chief executive officer of American Nevada Company said: “Of all of the projects we have created, our work with Nevada Cancer Institute is among the most important. To know that we are helping to create an environment where research and knowledge of cancer is being advanced, while people living with cancer, and their families, can receive the help and support they need, is very rewarding.”
NVCI’s original 142,000-square-foot building opened September 23, 2005. The four-level building (one level is below ground) has two wings and is dedicated to patient care and research. The building, built by Marnell Corrao, was constructed to be a one-stop resource for cancer resources, care and information. Housed in NVCI’s flagship building are medical oncology, a radiation oncology suite, pathology lab, research laboratories, a 24-seat chemotherapy suite, a digital diagnostic imaging suite, an Information and Resource Center that is open to the public, Illuminations Boutique, Sunflower Café with a patio/garden area, a meditation room and a yoga room.
The Support Services complex, the first expansion on the NVCI campus, is a 101,000-square-foot building with an adjacent parking garage on 3.25 acres. The building currently houses a number of support services and functions but is slated to house the majority of the clinical faculty offices and a Center devoted to Early Detection and Management of the High Risk Patient and Family.
About Ralph Engelstad
Mr. Engelstad owned the Imperial Palace Hotel and Resort. A native of Minnesota, he came to Las Vegas in 1960 originally employed in the construction industry. He was also one of the founders of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Engelstad is survived by his wife Betty Engelstad, his daughter Kris, two sisters and two grandchildren.
Mr. Engelstad was recognized nationally for being a leader in helping people with disabilities, including a "National Employer of the Year" award from the President’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities. He received a "Humanitarian of the Year Award" from the International Gaming & Business Exposition.
About Nevada Cancer Institute
Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) is the official cancer institute for the State of Nevada. A nonprofit organization, NVCI is committed to reducing the burden of cancer by pursuing the development of a comprehensive cancer center, as defined by the National Cancer Institute. Through the knowledge and expertise of the finest scientists, clinicians, educators and caregivers, the Institute provides hope to communities in Nevada, the southwest and beyond through research, education, early detection, prevention and high quality patient care. NVCI is striving for a future without cancer that is achieved through innovative and collaborative research in basic, clinical and population science.
For more information, please visit www.nevadacancerinstitute.org or call (702) 822-LIFE
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