Golden shovels have been waiting to get in on the construction of the Renewable Energy Center since it began. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m. today, two weeks after actual construction work began.

“It’s a celebration of a new building on campus,” Jill Nilsen, vice president for external relations, said. “It’s a way to share with the community, both the campus and city, how excited we are to begin this project.”

Parking at the construction site is limited, so a shuttle bus will leave from the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union at 3:20 p.m. to bring guests to the site at 18th Street and Edgar Drive. The shuttle will return guests immediately after the ceremony for a reception in the 1895 Room of the Union.

Those scheduled to speak at the ceremony include state Sen. Dale Righter; state Rep. Chapin Rose; Bill O’Rourke, chair of the Board of Trustees; Eric Wilbur, student representative and President Bill Perry. A representative from Honeywell International Inc. is also expected to speak.

After their remarks, the golden shovels will get their chance.

“Following the speakers, they’ll put a shovel in the ground,” Nilsen said.

Weather conditions will keep the ceremony brief and guests eager to reach the warmth of the reception.

“It’s wet out there,” Nilsen said. “It will be fairly brief as a ceremony.”

Sarah Ruholl can be reached at 581-7942

or [email protected].