July 1996
Department of Mathematics and Information Systems merges with Department of Biological and Physical Sciences to become Department of Natural, Information and Mathematical Sciences (NIMS).

Spring 1997
General Assembly appropriates $917,000 for planning and architect fees for IU Kokomo science facility.

July 1997
Chancellor Emita Hill circulates handbook for science building planning.

Fall 1997
Faculty representatives view university science facilities in Wisconsin and New York.

January 1998
San Pietro Report recommends a new facility, rather than renovation and addition to Main Building.

March 1998
IU Trustees select BSA LifeStructures of Indianapolis as architects.

April 1998
Final construction program document incorporates space for biology, chemistry, geology, physics, mathematics, information systems and allied health.

Spring 1999
General Assembly authorizes nearly $13 million in bonding authority for construction.

August 1999
Groundbreaking.

October 1999
Chancellor Ruth Person initiates "value engineering."

January 2000
Construction and science equipment fundraising begin.

August 2001
First classes held in building; construction completed.

September 2001
Building dedicated.

February 2002
Building named in honor of IU Kokomo founding father Virgil Hunt and his wife, Elizabeth, in conjunction with a gift from Bill and Nancy Hunt and Margo Hunt Biddinger.

November 2002
Application submitted for Kresge Science Equipment Challenge Grant.

June 2003
Kresge approves grant; challenges IU Kokomo to raise $468,000 for equipment endowment by end of 2004.

October 2003
Campus kicks off Kresge Science Initiative fund-raising.

2004
Campus, alumni and community volunteers solicit pledges throughout north central Indiana service region.

January 1, 2005
IU Kokomo exceeds the "challenge" component of the Kresge Science Initiative, with gifts totaling $501,247.

Related story: Kokomo meets Kresge Science Initiative goal