The Medgar Evers College opened its $247 million Academic Building I, which will house the School of Science, Health and Technology, on Monday, Oct. 4, at 1638 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn.
The ribbon-cutting event took place in the midst of the 40th anniversary celebration commemorating the founding of Medgar Evers College.
A rousing performance by the marching band from Medgar Evers College Preparatory High School – a school which recently received a 2010 College Board Inspiration Award for improved academic environment and help for underserved students – began a ceremony attended by numerous dignitaries from the City University of New York, community based organizations, and prominent businesses.
“This is not only a powerful symbol of progress for our community; it is a harbinger of things to come for The City University of New York in this Decade of the Sciences,” said Dr. William L. Pollard, President of Medgar Evers College. “This state-of-the-art building will provide us with cutting-edge resources to teach, perform research, and provide our students with extraordinary educational opportunities.”
“This building is going to take our children through,” said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.
“It is going to raise this community up with a special sense of excellence in science and math. From here, the nations’ engineers, who will build the 21st century infrastructure for their children and grandchildren, will be prepared to meet the challenges – not just for the United States – but for the world we live in – the global village that we are all a part of.”
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz called the building “a dream realized,” saying: “The future of our nation will be depend upon the number of scientists we produce. This is where the future of our nation will be determined, in this new building at Medgar Evers College.” He further delivered a proclamation declaring it “Medgar Evers College School of Science, Health & Technology Ribbon Cutting Celebration Day” in the ‘Republic’ of Brooklyn.
CUNY Chancellor Matthew Goldstein also emphasized the importance of study in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, saying, “This building is going to be the enabler for students studying at this great institution to participate in a rapidly changing economy.”
President Pollard closed the ceremony with a special letter of support from Medgar Wiley Evers’ widow, Dr. Myrlie Evers–Williams – a powerful civil rights activist in her own right. She wrote:
“The celebration of the opening of this building is another milestone in a long journey towards realizing the vision and commitment of the founders of this College to serve the Central Brooklyn community and the surrounding communities of New York City. Within the walls of this building knowledge will be shared, created and studied. Scholars and researchers will be born. The possibilities for what will be forthcoming are endless.”
Providing increased classroom space to accommodate the College’s extensive course and program offerings, the new building is expected to promote academic and intellectual exchange in an environment that enhances the teaching and learning experience.
