Stories from Soundings: Breaking Ground on the Science Center Expansion
On a stormy afternoon in July, members of our community gathered on the grassy patch between the Ginger Judge Science Center and Hempstead Stadium to celebrate what will soon be home to the Center’s expansion.
Dr. Gene Wong, dean of arts and sciences, shared, “It is hard to believe that the Ginger Judge Science Center opened in fall 2013, and that today we are now beginning the addition of 14,000 sq. ft. to accommodate growth in our STEM areas. The Science Center continues to be a state-of-the-art facility with a curriculum that is keeping pace with the industry and graduating highly-trained students for employment or graduate school.”
The Science Center’s STEM incubator occupants have become partners in internship and employment opportunities as well as in the training of our students. Wong highlighted, “As facilities like the Science Center expansion come online, and Endicott continues to prepare a highly-qualified industry workforce, we are creating an environment that will attract additional startup companies to the North Shore, where they will hopefully plant roots, grow, and expand within this region.”
Nothing is more valuable than learning material in a classroom where there is ‘real life’ research being conducted in the room next door.
The ceremony included a warm welcome from Interim President Dr. Kathleen Barnes and an overview of construction plans from Lee Dellicker, CEO of Windover Construction. Endicott College Trustee Ginger Warwick Judge, Class of 1951, was also in attendance. She shared a few remarks about the incredible change she’s been witness to throughout the campus.
One such experience was that of having a drifter boat named after her. The boat was designed and launched by a team of Endicott students to collect scientific data. It eventually crossed the Atlantic Ocean and landed in France—a testament to the accomplishments that come out of the Center.
Julie Sanders ’20 shared a student’s perspective, "Nothing is more valuable than learning material in a classroom where there is ‘real life’ research being conducted in the room next door,” she said of her experience working in some of the Center’s existing incubator spaces.
“Endicott’s education is not confined to the classroom. I could not be more excited to welcome more biotechnology companies on our campus. I cannot wait to see what they bring to our community,” she shared.
Sanders also commented on Endicott’s dedication and drive to maintain a competitive edge. She said, “The new expansion is proof of Endicott’s spirit and will only add to students’ experience for years to come.”
Wong closed in reminding us all that this progress stems from one powerful vision. “The Science Center and its expansion is a vision where Dr. Richard E. Wylie wanted to position Endicott at the forefront of the technology sector on the North Shore.”
This article is featured in the Winter 2019 edition of Soundings, the Endicott College magazine that highlights happenings in our community such as academic program enhancements, alumni spotlights, student successes, campus news, sports highlights, faculty accolades, and community successes.