STATE BOND COMMISSION OKS FUNDING FOR MAJOR RENOVATION
Southern Connecticut State University's School of Business will finally have a place of its own to call home.
On. Feb. 24, the state Bond Commission approved granting SCSU $3.8 million for the renovation of the Old Student Center into a facility designed for the university's School of Business. The vote marks the final allocation needed for the $6.6 million project to begin. Previous allocations from the Bond Commission and the CSUS 2020 project also have contributed to the total budget package, which will cover costs for construction, equipment and other improvements.
The building (pictured above in an artist's rendering), which will encompass about 23,000 square feet, will house business faculty offices, classrooms, meeting rooms and workshop space. It will enable faculty to relocate from the dilapidated Seabury Hall, which was built in 1956 and is considered to be woefully inadequate as an office building. In fact, plans call for Seabury, a former dormitory, to be demolished after the renovations are completed.
SCSU officials are hopeful the renovation work can begin during the summer and estimate it will take about a year to complete.
"We are thrilled that this project is finally going forward," said a beaming Robert Sheeley, associate vice president for capital budgeting and facilities operations. "In addition to the new faculty office space and classrooms, this will dramatically improve the appearance of the Crescent Street entrance to the campus."
SCSU interim President Stanley F. Battle thanked the Bond Commission, including Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, for its support. A vote for this last portion of funding had been put on hold for a couple of years because of the stagnant economy.
"This development is a major step forward for our university, and in particular, for our business school," Battle said. "It will add vibrancy to our campus, as well as help us play an even stronger role in our state's economic recovery. Our business programs -- accounting, economics and finance, management, management information systems and marketing -- are in high demand in Connecticut's workforce. Investing in a new home for our School of Business makes practical sense for the economic future of our region and our state, as well as for the benefit of our students."
Ellen Durnin, dean of the School of Business, said the new facility will significantly improve both the preparation of students for the workforce and the visibility of the school.
"The faculty, staff, students and members of the business community understand the value of a business school venue that provides 21st century technology and facilities," Durnin said. "It will assist us in preparing graduates in high-need workforce areas."
