Boise State University’s new Micron Business and Economics Building officially opened for business Tuesday with a dedication ceremony and the ringing of a bell, following the Wall Street tradition of opening the New York Stock Exchange. A crowd of more than 400 filled the building’s new Skaggs Hall of Learning for the ceremony.

“In every way, this building represents the future of Boise State,” said Boise State President Bob Kustra. “The business-relevant research conducted inside these brick walls will deepen Boise State’s rock solid commitment to the health of the region and the state’s economy, expose our students to the theories that will become tomorrow’s best practices and allow our learned faculty to play a role in the success of our private-sector partners. It is Boise’s new front door to its very own university, and the door is open.".

Speakers also paid tribute to the late Steve Appleton, Micron CEO and a Boise State distinguished alumnus. Under his tenure, the Micron Foundation provided a $12.5 million lead gift for construction of the building.

“Steve’s passion for his alma mater helped forge an invaluable partnership between Micron and Boise State that is evident in everything we see around us today,” Kustra said.

The new four-story, 119,000-square-foot building is home to Boise State’s College of Business and Economics and its several outreach centers that work directly with the business community.

“This building is just the next step in the future of Boise State and the College of Business and Economics and the next step for developing Boise into one of the top business communities in the country,” said Micron CEO and Micron Foundation Chairman Mark Durcan.

Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce President Bill Connors also noted the strong partnerships that exist between Boise State and industry.

“On behalf of the area’s business community, thank you for this tremendous new community asset. Boise State’s spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship will thrive in this building and will spawn business and commerce for this valley for years to come,” Connors said.

Attendees took self-guided tours of the building, which includes high-tech, adaptable classrooms, the 250-seat Skaggs Hall of Learning, the Dykman Financial Trading Room, the Williams Boardroom and the Hales Family/Chris and Barbara Petersen Imagination Lab.

Work on the building began in October 2010 with the demolition of the University Inn. In addition to the gift from the Micron Foundation, the building was funded with more than 1,000 additional private gifts and student strategic facilities fees.

The building incorporates geothermal energy for heating and ample natural light to reduce electrical consumption. It is expected to use half as much energy as a comparably sized building, and will generate real-time energy usage readouts that can be incorporated into research projects. It also features a rooftop garden to help keep the building cool.

Students will begin classes in the building Monday when Boise State’s fall semester gets under way. About 3,300 students are majors in the College of Business and Economics. For more information, visit http://cobe.boisestate.edu.