“This is one of the most technologically advanced learning centers in the United States. Every inch of this building fosters learning,” said Jonathan Gibralter, FSU president.
Around 100 dignitaries attended the event held in the center’s lobby, where a student-designed ribbon cutting was performed. Following remarks from several officials, Gibralter, state Sen. George Edwards and four others were each given a tablet. They clicked on an icon, which caused a pair of digital scissors to appear on a large screen, which cut through a curtain to display a high definition image of the center.
The new 127,000-square-foot facility sits north of the Lane Center where Tawes Hall used to be. Funding for the center came from the state’s capital budget.
“This is a transformative year not only for FSU, but for western Maryland. In every way, academically and aesthetically, this building exemplifies what we are trying to do for the students and citizens of Maryland,” said Joann Boughman, vice chancellor of academic affairs for the University System of Maryland.
Joseph Hoffman, dean of liberal arts and sciences, listed some of the features in the CCIT.
The center has 10 classrooms, 16 computer labs, 21 conference rooms and collaboration studios, a 120-seat conference room, a roof terrace and observatory, full kitchen, a faculty and student research lab, 55 offices and advanced television and radio studios.
“The enhanced technology, not found in many places, is enabling our students to utilize that technology to better them to go out into our ever-changing global society,” said Joseph Hoffman, dean of liberal arts and sciences.
The CCIT also contains a multimedia learning center and a planetarium.
“They sweated every detail of this building,” said Gibralter.
The building’s lighting, plumbing, heating and cooling systems are green technology designed for maximum sustainability.
“This is an outstanding facility. FSU is an economic engine for Mountain Maryland,” said Edwards.
Planning for the Technology Center began in 2001 under Catherine Gira, FSU president from 1991 to 2006. Gira was on hand for the event.
Also present for the ribbon cutting were Del. Kevin Kelly, Bill Valentine, county commissioner, Cumberland City Councilman David Kauffman, Frostburg Mayor Robert Flanagan, Ed Root, Allegany County Board of Education member and many others.
©2014 the Cumberland Times News (Cumberland, Md.)
