College Celebrates Topping-Off Ceremony
April 17, 2008
Emmanuel College celebrated a milestone in the construction of its new Academic Science Center on Thursday, April 17th, commemorating the completion of the building's structural frame with a traditional topping-off ceremony.
Prior to the final beam being lowered into place at the top of the building, students, faculty, administrators, staff and all those involved with the construction process were invited to autograph the piece of steel. Afterwards, it was hoisted skyward along with a small pine tree and American flag - symbolizing the success of the project thus far, as well as bestowing good luck for the future of the building and its inhabitants.
Additionally, College Treasurer Sr. Anne Donovan, SND attached a Sisters of Notre Dame cross to the beam and invited College Chaplain Fr. Stephen Boyle to bless the structure, asking that it provide a valuable learning environment for Emmanuel and its students "for years and years to come."
During the brief ceremony, Sr. Anne took the opportunity to recognize the organizations involved in the construction process, including the architectural firm Goody Clancy, structural engineers LeMessurier Consultants and the construction company Walsh Brothers, Incorporated. John Riley, the senior vice president and chief financial officer for Walsh Brothers congratulated the College on its important milestone, complimenting Emmanuel and its students on the significant progress he has witnessed, especially over the last few years.
"We have been working with Emmanuel for a long time and we have been pleased to see how far this institution has come in so many ways," he said. "This [Academic Science Center] is a tremendous sign of growth and it has been a privilege to be a small part of it."
Outgoing Student Government Association (SGA) President Adam Smith '08 addressed the crowd as well, thanking the numerous members of the Emmanuel community for attending the ceremony. He introduced next year's SGA President, Amanda Donegan '10, who shared her enthusiasm for the new structure.
"What a great example of the future of Emmanuel," she said. "I am so grateful we could all be here today to celebrate."
The construction of the new four-floor, 47,500 square-foot Academic Science Center reflects Emmanuel's goal of building distinctive academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences through leveraging its unique location in the Longwood Medical Area. The Center, which will be located in the area adjacent to the College's historic Administration Building, is scheduled to open in 2009.