Drury University turned an ordinary Thursday into a milestone moment as it officially unveiled the Mercy Science Center — a new name for a building already central to campus life. The September 18 ceremony celebrated a generous gift from Mercy Springfield Communities, underscoring Drury’s growing role in preparing students for careers in science and healthcare.
Once known as the Trustee Science Center since its debut in 2002, the building houses some of Drury’s most sought-after programs: biology, chemistry, health science, medical technology, pre-med, and the recently launched Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies (PA). The renaming is more than cosmetic — it’s a signal that Drury’s mission of high-impact, hands-on learning and service is accelerating.
President Jeff Frederick thanked Mercy Springfield Communities for its transformative support and reflected on Drury’s role as an “anchor institution” in Springfield. He also acknowledged former President John Beuerlein ’75 for laying the groundwork that helped make this partnership possible.
Dr. Sadaf Sohrab, Chief Medical Officer of Mercy Springfield Communities, emphasized the collaboration between the university and Mercy, noting that Mercy serves as a major clinical training site for Drury’s PA program. She called being part of the students’ educational journey “a privilege” and urged future health professionals to care for the whole person, not just the illness.
Before the new nameplate was revealed, student Tori Carter ’26 exclaimed, “On behalf of all Drury students, thank you, Mercy, for believing in us and investing in our future.”
Other students echoed her excitement. Rana Umran ’26 shared, “The renaming of this building highlights the support that Mercy has given us. I believe that support, in tandem with the academic excellence our student body produces, will last a long time, and its impact will benefit future generations of students, and that is truly exciting.”
Kelsey Kuhl ’26 added, “I’m thankful for Mercy, as this donation will change all our lives who are studying in STEM. It will help upgrade our labs and the technology we use in them, which is a huge investment in what us STEM students are doing here at Drury.”
Faculty members also voiced enthusiasm for the new chapter. Dr. Justin Gambini, Director of the Physician Assistant Program, said, “Mercy has been a true partner from the moment I arrived in Springfield, and this renaming marks the next step in an already great relationship. I believe physician assistants play a vital role in addressing the challenges of healthcare disparities and healthcare deserts in the Midwest, and this partnership brings that vision closer to reality. I am honored to see our students and community benefit from such a strong and lasting commitment.”
The Mercy Science Center now stands as a visible symbol of what happens when a university and a health-care system unite around a common purpose. It’s a place where rigorous scientific education, state-of-the-art facilities, and meaningful clinical experiences come together, shaping future professionals who lead with both skill and compassion. With this strengthened center, Drury University is positioning itself as a leader in preparing the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and innovators. For students, the message is clear: your education isn’t just about learning facts in a lab — it’s about making a difference in the lives of people and communities far beyond campus.