Alfiero Center Takes Shape

When faculty and students in the School of Management left for winter break, the Alfiero Center project was a muddy pit.

They returned Monday to find a skeleton of steel girders built on the site -- evidence the project is progressing.

In addition, officials say the three-story, 23,000-square-foot facility will be completed slightly ahead of schedule, in the spring of 2005. However, the construction schedule is dependent on weather, according to Larry Michael, assistant dean of Resource Management for the School of Management.

"For the next couple of months the schedule is very weather dependent," said Michael. "December was very good and we were able to stay on schedule, but the current temperature may delay the pouring of the foundation floor."

Ground broke on the site -- the courtyard between Jacobs Management Center and Putnam Way -- in May 2003.

The Alfiero Center's $7 million price tag is largely funded by private donations. The School of Management raised $3.7 million, while New York State has matched with $3 million, according to Jane Armbruster, the school's assistant dean of development.

The largest private contribution came from Sal H. Alfiero, CEO of Protective Industries, and his wife Jeanne. They made a $2 million gift to the school.

While all that is visible to passing students is a jungle gym of red beams, Michael says that a lot of work is being done on the project that is not outwardly noticeable.

"You cannot see this, but a significant amount of work is going on inside the current structure," Michael said. "They have built a new boiler room in the basement and have much of the ductwork completed that will provide heat and air conditioning. They are also making good progress with the demolition of the office areas on the north side of Jacobs Center."

As a casualty of construction, officials relocated all of the faculty on the north side of Jacobs Hall. According to Michaels, the staff has been cooperative.

Both administrators and students expressed pride in the new project because it is funded largely by former management students, and say that different areas of the building may bear names of the highest donors.

"This project has seemed to capture the imaginations and pride of a number of our alumni and others who deeply care about UB's ability to deliver a high quality business education," said Armbruster.

Chris Kuroski, a senior management student, wishes he would be around to utilize the facility, but still acknowledges its significance.

"It's very important for students graduating now for when they come back and see the school," said Kuroski. "It may bring more alumni back to campus."

Stephen Bates, an associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers and recent Syracuse University School of Management graduate agrees that new, student-based facilities are an excellent draw.

"Having top notch facilities attracts better faculty and better students," said Bates.