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MCLA Marks New Science Building Location
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That's the mantra that Mary Grant's been repeating — and repeating — to every state and elected official she could find. And, like the Little Engine That Could, that repetition is closer to realization with selection of a plot to plop the $54 million project down.
"This is a very sweet day — where you're sitting, a few years from now, we will be sitting in state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories and gathering space," said the president of Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts to the guests seated under a blue sky. "So enjoy this time in this parking lot, because soon it will all be different."
Grant was joined by faculty, staff and the many supporters elected and otherwise who have believed in the project, or been gently bullied into believing. Pretty much every elected official has a story about Grant's persistence on the issue. Outgoing Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, considered instrumental in attaining funding for the project, recalled how lawmakers would see Grant zeroing in on them and scatter before she could get "sci..." out of her mouth.
All joking aside, the science building under whatever name it takes is considered a major economic booster for the city and the region and the outcome of a collaborative effort, a fact illustrated by the wide range of officials from around the county at the event, including Berkshire Community College President Paul Raverta and Williams College President Adam Falk.
"It's extremely important for this school. It's also extremely important for this community. If you look at the job market in this community and you look at what we're doing in the commonwealth to create new jobs," said Bosley. "It's extremely important we create them in fields that are growing today."
MCLA with its 400 employees and nearly $38 million budget has an estimated $129 million impact on the region.
"This will undoubtedly provide much more than just educational amenities to this campus," said Mayor Richard Alcombright. "It will help through our entire education system the city of North Adams and Northern Berkshires."
Rep. Daniel E. Bosley gets a handshake from Rep. William 'Smitty' Pignatelli and applause from the crowd for his efforts on behalf of his alma mater MCLA over the years. |
The layout of the structure is still a work in progress – groundbreaking is months away – but it will be built to LEED silver standards and take advantage of natural light and advanced materials. It will have labs and classrooms, space to accommodate student and faculty research and meeting areas and common rooms. The project also includes major renovations at Bowman Hall across the street. Students and faculty had input to the decisionmaking process for the structure being designed by Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architects & Engineers, a Boston firm with credentials in energy-conscious design and sustainability.
Adrienne Wootters, chairman of the physics department, was a bit giddy with the idea of not only getting space but having all the departments finally under one roof. But it wasn't just about space, she said, but having a place to prepare students for the future.
"We want students who not only know stuff but those who can use that learning to help solve complex problems of today's society," she said. "And we want all our graduates to do science. Not just our science majors — every single graduate from MCLA is going to be a citizen who votes who has to make personal decisions based on what they learned, probably here, about science."
Secretary of Education Paul Reville said the state's investment in education, particularly higher education and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), is critical to its success.
Secretary of Education Paul Reville spoke on the importance of STEM education for jobs and economic growth. |
Also among the speakers were state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto, state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, D-Lenox, and Division of Capital Asset Management Commissioner David B. Perini, and Berkshire Economic Development Corp. President David Rooney.
Grant and others thanked Gov. Deval Patrick, who could not attend, and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, who was at a groundbreaking, for their commitment to the project; former Mayor John Barrett III and Peter Larkin, former state representative for Pittsfield, were also acknowledged.
"This became a story of determination and perserverance," said board of trustees Chairwoman Jane Allen, who compared Grant to the Little Engine That Could. "Thank you for your vision and leadership and for helping all of us to believe in your mantra ... science building ... science building ... science building."