The ceremony took place in the HCC courtyard, followed by a reception n Beacon Hall. At the March 10 Ground Breaking for the renovated Lafayette Hall, President Broadie welcomed the dignitaries in attendance including CSCU President Ojakian and Mayor Ganim, who, as Mayor, also gave welcoming remarks at the dedication of Lafayette Hall in 1997. Other speakers included Pasquale J. Salemi (Deputy Commissioner for the State Dept. of Administrative Services), Dr. Shirley Zajdel (HCC Chair, Mathematics/Science Dept., HCC Professor of Biology), Andy Pinto (HCC Associate Professor of Art) and Lisa McCree (Secretary of HCC Student Senate).

Dr. Broadie said of the project, “This is going to be a wonderful building adding over 47,000 square feet to the structure and redesigning another 36,000 square feet of existing space. This building project will transform how we deliver services to our students with the creation of the one stop student center: increased science labs and classrooms, enhanced Art programs, an expanded media services area, and an increased footprint for our library.

This project represents an investment in our community and it is an investment that will benefit future generations for years to come. When I think about this project, I think about how it will serve as a vehicle to expand our academic reach and innovative programming. For many years, this building will stand tall as a prominent educational centerpiece changing lives through education.”

The $45 million project is expected to create over 600 construction-related jobs.

Construction is expected to be completed in 2017 in time for the college’s 50th anniversary.

The college is continuing all normal procedures and activities throughout construction.