URI breaks ground on new pharmacy building

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I.—The University of Rhode Island broke ground Monday on a new $75 million pharmacy building.

The building, which will be located next to the biotech building, will measure 148,000 square feet and will host the university’s pharmacy college.

Gov. Don Carcieri and Tom Ryan, the CVS chairman and chief executive and a URI alumnus, were among the officials in attendance.

“We employ 20,000 pharmacists around the country and we recruit around the country. There’s 100-plus colleges for pharmacy for the best talent, not only students but faculty,“ Ryan said.

More than 700 students are enrolled in the College of Pharmacy this semester. Audrey DiRaimo is one of them.

“The technology is always improving. I’m a kid and there’s so much more for me to learn. I think it’s great to get to use all of this. The ultimate goal is to help people,“ she said.

Business leaders said they are hoping to build Rhode Island’s knowledge economy.

“The more we can build our facilities and infrastructure, the better position we’re going to be to attract companies, to retain companies and help new companies emerge,“ said Christine Smith of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corp.

The project is being paid for through $10 million in private donations as well as $65 million in funds approved by voters in 2006.

The new building is scheduled to open in 2011.

The Associated Press contributed to this report