The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine (AWCIM) building, located at 1231 N. Cherry Avenue (Corner of Cherry Avenue & Mabel Street), has been held successfully on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 12-1 p.m. The AWCIM Executive Director Victoria Maizes hosted the event and Robert C. Robbins (President, University of Arizona), Michael D. Dake (Senior Vice President, University of Arizona Health Sciences), Michael M.I. Abecassis (Dean, College of Medicine – Tucson), Andrew Weil (Founder and Director, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine), and others were invited to speak. The College of Humanities Dorrance Dean A-P Durand and Center for Buddhist Studies Director Jiang Wu were invited to attend and congratulated Dr. Andrew Weil on the official groundbreaking! The video recording of the ceremony is now available on Youtube at https://youtu.be/WL-Aft472gY
The Center for Buddhist Studies has planned to move into a new home within the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, a landmark facility dedicated to health and wellness. We believe that the study of Buddhism as both an ancient and evolving repository of knowledge is of great value in the work of improving people’s well-being. Working side by side, the two Centers will enhance research outcomes and allow for the synthesis of Buddhist practices into health and wellness curriculum. The partnership will facilitate collaborations in which the two programs can amplify each other’s work. Like integrative medicine, Buddhist Studies takes a humanistic approach to the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of individuals and the community. As Dr. Andrew Weil remarks, “We believe that the built environment is an essential component of integrative health, central to disease prevention and health promotion. Our research has proven that the design of the office environment can affect people’s stress and activity levels, their posture, even their sleep quality. This custom-designed facility brings together the concepts and philosophies upon which Integrative Medicine is built and including the Center for Buddhist Studies is a crucial element in promoting health of the mind and spirit as well as body.”
The Center for Buddhist Studies is excited for the opportunity to establish its home in this innovative building, creating a space for a synthesis of Buddhist practices and health and wellness education. Giving opportunities are available. Find out more at cbs.arizona.edu/give/andrew-weil-center.