Dozens of Ohio University flags fluttered in the wind and balloons floated off into the blue sky as the ribbon was cut for the dedication of the Bill W. Dingus Technology Center.

The ceremony commenced Wednesday at 1:30 at the Ninth Street entrance to Ohio University Southern in front of hundreds of people who came out for the dedication.

&uot;This is truly the honor of a lifetime. I am truly humbled,&uot; Dingus, former dean of 24 years, said. &uot;We have worked for 20 to 25 years to see this dream come true.

&uot;Lawrence County is my home and these are my people. It has always been home for me.&uot;

Ohio University President Robert Glidden said they are very proud of the campus and the community.

&uot;It is most appropriate we are naming this after Bill W. Dingus,&uot; he said. &uot;He has shown great dedication and vision.&uot;

The 41,500 square foot project broke ground in March of 2000. The building will accommodate 515 students and includes classrooms,

computer and electronic labs, faculty offices, conference rooms and a lecture hall.

&uot;I watched them build the whole thing from my front porch,&uot; Cindy Roach, 807 Heplar Street, said. &uot;It is wonderful for them to put education first because a lot of us did not get what kids are getting now.&uot;

This $6 million building will help the school develop programs in computer technology, allied health programs, and other cutting-edge programs, Dan Evans, dean of OUS, said.

&uot;It is an understatement to say this is an exciting day in the history of OUS,&uot; he said. &uot;We will continue to expand to serve a region hungry for higher education.&uot;

&uot;The community is supportive, loyal and committed to OU,&uot; Evans said. &uot;Because our success is Ironton’s success.&uot;

Nina Queen, a senior psychology major from Wheelersburg and student government president, said this should provide many

opportunities for new students.

&uot;Dr. Dingus was here when I started and he has really helped me a lot,&uot; she said. &uot;This probably would not have been possible without his leadership.&uot;

Evans said he is proud to continue the course set by Dingus.

&uot;I want to thank him for sharing his vision with all of us and bringing us along for the ride.&uot; Michael Caldwell/The Ironton Tribune