By Ben Gellman
WCHL Reporter 

UNC had another celebration on University Day, as the new Education Center for the North Carolina Botanical Garden was dedicated Monday afternoon.

The nearly 30,000 square foot facility is platinum-LEED certified, and all $12.5 million were funded completely by private donors, including UNC’s students, who gave $210,000 raised by fees.  Director Dr. Peter White, a professor in UNC’s biology department, spoke about the center itself and about some of the new features of the botanical gardens.

More than two hundred people packed the reception hall for the dedication ceremony, many of them standing room only.  Among the attendees and speakers was North Carolina governor Bev Perdue, who had already spoken at University Day ceremonies.  Governor Perdue said the timing of the dedication was particularly appropriate.

After the speakers finished, a ceremonial garland was cut, and the staff and architects of the center led guests on tours.