During homecoming weekend at Utica College, students, faculty and alumni celebrated the dedication of Thurston Hall, the new home of their Construction Management program. As the architect-of-record, CSArch designed the 15,000 square foot facility in honor of Gary M. Thurston, lead donor and graduate of Utica College’s Construction Management program in 1968.
“The dedication of a major academic building is a milestone and momentous occasion for any institution and the significance of this day in the history of Utica College is not lost on me,” said Dr. Laura Casamento, President at Utica College. “We have much to celebrate and many to thank.”
The two-story building incorporates smart technology and flexible classroom and meeting spaces in addition to new offices for Construction Administration faculty and staff. Comfortable lounge seating and open views in the lobby and common areas provide spaces for students to gather and meet. The innovative “materials lab” provides a test area for students to research new materials and techniques in building construction.
“Thurston Hall is a physical manifestation of our commitment to recruit, retain, and graduate students and assist them in placement in meaningful construction management jobs,” said Todd Pfannestiel, Ph.D., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Utica College. “Since 2008, 100% of all graduates from our CM program have found jobs prior to graduation.”
It has been rewarding for CSArch to design a new building for the Construction Management program. Our founder, Randolph Collins, and Construction Site Representative Taylor Paine both graduated from the Construction Management program at Utica College. Thurston Hall will enable Utica College to better serve the Construction Management program, which is expected to attract an enrollment increase of up to 100 percent in 2019.