Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Marks New Beginning

October, 2003- Assumption College celebrated the opening of the campus’s new Science Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, October 9, 2003. The ceremony took place in the atrium of the new building, with about 275 students, faculty, staff, and distinguished guests in attendance.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA) spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the Science Center’s role in the importance of scientific study in the 21st century. Senator Kennedy, whose longtime relationship with Assumption College began in 1964 with the first of two Commencement addresses, stressed the “potential” of the center, and added that he was very proud to be “part of the team”.

President Thomas R. Plough, Ph.D, recognized Senator Kennedy and Congressman McGovern for their efforts in helping the College receive almost $2 million in federal grants to help finance the project.

Jennifer Mongeau ’06, a science major, also spoke at the event, declaring that the Science Center was the ‘best thing to happen to science students since equilibrium.” She marveled at the beauty of the brand-new fixtures and equipment, remarking that she was “terrified to spill chemicals on the counters”.

The ceremony also honored Dr. Owen Sholes, Ph.D., the chairperson of the Natural Sciences Department, for his efforts during the planning and construction of the building. The Natural Sciences faculty presented him with a Norfolk Island spruce tree as a thank-you gift for all of his hard work.

Assumption College’s new 63,000 sq. ft. $18 million science center is the result of almost ten years of thoughtful and thorough planning. The College partnered with Boston architectural firm Einhorn Yaffee Prescott and general contractors Cutler Associates to complete the flagship facility of the campus.

The campus showpiece houses the Department of Natural Science, which includes chemistry, biology, environmental science and physics. The facility features five multiuse classrooms with state-of-the-art technology, ten teaching laboratories, seven laboratories dedicated for faculty and student research, two conference rooms, a greenhouse, and inviting, spacious lounge areas. Over 5,000 sq. ft. of space is available for meetings, study, and faculty/student interaction.

Other highlights of the new Science Center include a state-of-the-art multimedia lecture hall, a computer classroom, and additional computer access throughout the building. To ensure campus-wide use, the South Atrium has been outfitted with a sound system to be used for lectures, receptions and other special events.

Check out photos from the event!
http://www.assumption.edu/news/newsphoto/ribbon/index.html