GOVERNOR WES MOORE CELEBRATES BLACKWELL HALL GROUNDBREAKING

Salisbury, MD - Governor Wes Moore recently joined Salisbury University President Carolyn Ringer Lepre and others from SU and the State of Maryland to officially break ground on a $60 million project that will bring a student service center to campus.

SU's Blackwell Hall, which served as the campus library from 1957-2016, is being renovated into a central facility for student services. The project began last summer, with the visible demolition of portions of the building taking place earlier this semester.

"When the history of the moment is written, the thing I will say to all the students is your fingerprints are going to be all over it," said Moore. "We're here because of you and because of your inspiration. We're here because you all deserve a place that will not just give you an opportunity to overcome all the obstacles that the world might throw at you, but you deserve a place that will let you know that you're prepared to take them on. That you deserve a place that is not just going to focus on financial aid, career services and health care and making sure that all these things are accessible to all our students, but you deserve a place that honors your mind, your body and your soul. A place that's truly willing to uplift every element of the human experience that this remarkable institution is working to foster."

"This is a building that will serve all students from the moment they step on campus that first time to the day they walk across that graduation stage and all those steps in between, making a significant difference in their college journeys," said Lepre. "From academic advising to financial aid; from the disability resource center to career counseling - this one-stop shop will make it easier for perspective families and new students to access the tools they need to be successful - no matter their background."

As part of the project, geothermal fields are being installed beneath Holloway Hall Lawn. Upon its completion, Blackwell Hall is expected to be one of the first net-zero buildings in the University System of Maryland (USM), operating with a zero net carbon footprint and representing a significant leap forward in SU's commitment to sustainability.

This is thanks, in large part, to $19.2 million in additional state funding approved to keep the project on track to meet these heightened environmental standards

"When this project was faced with being cut or trimmed, our Governor stepped in to help us," said Lepre, noting Moore's ongoing support for the renovation. "He increased the funding to account for rising costs due to inflation and ensured that this important project remained on time, maintained the scope of the project to provide the necessary support services we want to provide, and that it meets the highest standards for environmental sustainability."

The renovated building also will house the Admissions Office, with features including a greeting and gathering space for campus tours and open houses.

Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.

Source: Salisbury University Press Release