The Science and Engineering Research Center topping off ceremony took place Friday, September 20 in the Luter School of Business construction zone across from Warwick Residence Hall. The ceremony was held in honor of the final piece of steel used in the infrastructure of the new addition to the Luter School of Business building. This was President Bill Kelly’s second topping off ceremony, which he referred to as a milestone moment in the construction process.
Before the ceremony began, members of the Christopher Newport University community gathered around while music played. Members of the community also had the ability to sign the support beam from 9AM to 2PM before the ceremony began.
Also included in the ceremony was a small evergreen tree mounted to the right side of the beam. The tree was used as a symbol to celebrate the safe completion of the process.
President Kelly opened the ceremony with thanks to all construction workers, faculty, state officials and other members who helped make this production possible. A year ago, roughly 370 days as of September 20, the process of the new addition began.
“It is truly a great day to be a captain,” President Kelly said during his opening remarks.
The Dean of the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences at CNU Dr. Nicole Guajardo also discussed the intentions of the new building and the impact it will have on CNU. She explained that the building is intended to enhance teaching and research capabilities as well as foster a space for collaboration and connectivity within the professional community. The building is also intended to help foster public interest in STEM.
“This will truly be a building for the future,” she said.
The building will also include specialized classrooms and exercise science labs and other aspects to continue the growth of the Kinesiology program.
Although the final product is not quite finished, Dr. Guajardo said, “I can assure you it will be beautiful and like no other on this campus.”
Before the beam was ready to go, the crowd cheered with excitement for the brave construction worker stationed at the top of the building awaiting to receive the beam to put it into place. With a final countdown, the beam was hoisted into the air. Music played as spectators watched a monumental moment in the development of CNU’s history unfold.
