July 10, 2013

Laura Lemire
Communications and Marketing
(603) 641-7242

College officials broke ground on the new 47,000-square-foot, 150-bed residence hall on Wednesday, July 10.

Breaking ground on the building was a momentous occasion for retiring president Father Jonathan DeFelice, O.S.B., who played a key role in bringing the project to fruition.

The residence hall is expected to be ready for occupancy in the fall 2014 semester and will be located at the lower entrance to campus, behind current residence halls Bertrand and Brady Hall.

It will be an innovative living-learning community that extends the college's efforts to integrate academic and residential life. It will be organized into "neighborhood suites," with single, double, and triple-bed rooms, common areas and additional study space.

In a brief ceremony, Abbot Mark Cooper, O.S.B., College Chancellor, gave a blessing and prayer before the plans were revealed and first shovel was put into the ground.

Father Jonathan thanked the staff, architects, and especially the Dean of Student's Office including residential life staff who were determined to fill this need for student housing.

Lavallee Brensinger Architects and contractor Eckman Construction were on hand to answer questions about the current schedule and renderings. Incoming president Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D. and Abbot Mark were involved in the ceremony as well as vice president of finance, Harry Dumay and vice president of student affairs, Joe Horton.

In addition, this summer the college's main quad in front of Alumni Hall is being renovated. The platform around the college's namesake, the statue of Saint Anselm, is being enlarged with steps three-quarters around and walls for seating. New trees will be planted alongside the quad and Poisson building and the walkway in front of the Cushing Center is being reconditioned. The college hopes to have the renovations completed by August 24.