MARQUETTE - The largest construction project in the history of Northern Michigan University is providing steady employment for the building trades over the long U.P. winter.

The $46.9 million Seaborg Science Complex will consist of two buildings - a new, three-level facility for science- and math-related departments and classrooms that are currently under construction, and a renovated and expanded Luther S. West Science Building.

"Things are moving along well," said John Bekkala, NMU's director of engineering and planning. "Right now they're working on HVAC, electrical rough-ins, lab hoods, and drywall. There's a lot of snow outside, but we're enclosed, and this portion of the project is about 60 percent complete."

Devere Construction of Alpena is the general contractor on the project, which is employing about 70 building trades workers.

Glenn T. Seaborg was an Ishpeming native and winner of the 1951 Nobel Prize in chemistry. He was co-discoverer of plutonium and nine other elements, including Seaborgium. Mr. Seaborg participated in the groundbreaking of the complex, but died last February at age 86.

"Naming the complex after me is one of the greatest honors that I have ever had," he said. "I regard this as comparable to having the element named after me."

"This building will be a tribute to a man who is among the most prolific scientists of our era," said NMU President Judi Bailey. "It also represents a quantum leap in Northern's capacity to ensure that students leave here with a higher level of scientific sophistication and knowledge."

THE 46.9 MILLION Seaborg Science Complex on the Northern Michigan University campus.

SWEATING a pipe at the Seaborg Science Complex is Rick Sarasin of Plumbers & Pipe Fitters 506

A BOX IS INSTALLED by Ray Peterson of Electrical Workers 1070 and DeVere Construction.