NEW PALTZ – SUNY New Paltz celebrated the opening of Science Hall, a modern, two-story building designed to support the College’s burgeoning enrollments in the STEM fields, at a March 9 ribbon cutting.
“Continued progress on building and improving our physical environment is critical to our ability to serve current and future students with the high-quality programs and opportunities they deserve, and Science Hall helps us meet that goal,” said President Donald P. Christian. “It is specially designed for the 21st century teaching, learning and research needs of our students and faculty, and features innovative learning spaces, including state-of-the-art laboratories, lecture halls and other collaborative spaces.”
College students, faculty and staff were joined by New York State Senator John J. Bonacic, State Assemblymember Kevin A. Cahill ’77, project architects, contractors and SUNY Construction Fund representatives to formally open the doors to the new facility.
Funding for the $48 million Science Hall project was secured with support from Senator Bonacic and Assemblymember Cahill.
“This institution has a wonderful reputation for learning, empowering students and preparing them for the global economy,” said Senator Bonacic. “The students here are very fortunate to have a new facility and an environment that will enable them to learn and be the best they can be.”
The first new academic building on the New Paltz campus in nearly 20 years, the 77,000-square-foot building connects the College and the Village of New Paltz as a gateway to campus and a recognizable first impression for visitors.
“This is a place where people can come for the intergenerational transfer of values,” said Assemblymember Cahill. “That is a signature of this campus, and this building is important to that mission, as are the students who will take courses here and the faculty members who will work here.”