The last and final beam has been placed on UB’s newest engineering building set to open in 2029.
University officials UB held a topping out ceremony for Russell L. Agrusa Hall Monday right across from the Student Union, over what was formerly known as Furnas Lot.
“This building represents our investments in students, in their curiosity, in their creativity, their ambitions, their innovation, their ability to solve the challenges of tomorrow,” says Kemper Lewis, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. “Here students will move beyond the classroom to build, experiment, collaborate.”
The building is estimated to cost around $111 million, with $68 million in state capital funding and $20 million from Agrusa, a UB alumni and retired software executive.
Agrusa also donated $20 million towards UB’s engineering and computer science programs.
University officials, faculty and students signed the metal beam that was placed on top.
“Those signatures will remain part of the building long after its doors open,” University President Caroline Genco said. “And it will be a lasting reminder of everyone who helped make it possible and of the generations of students who will learn, create, and grow, both personally and professionally, inside.”
Sam Orr contributed to the reporting of this article.
The news desk can be reached at news@ubspectrum.com.
