Pitt-Johnstown administrators broke ground on the Nursing and Health Sciences Building Aug. 27, with close to a hundred attendees, including dozens of nursing students in ivory white medical coats.
Attendees included Pitt-Oakland Facilities Management Joseph Fink, Greater Johnstown Regional Partnership Chairperson Mark Pasquerila, and Johnstown City Mayor Thomas Trigona led the ceremony held in front of the construction site, about the size of half a football field.
The ceremony, which was held in front of the 26,000-square-foot construction site, was presided by Pitt-Johnstown President Jem Spectar.
Spectar said he was delighted, thrilled and that he couldn’t contain his excitement.
He also said that the groundbreaking is apt as this school year marks the University of Pittsburgh’s 225th year and Pitt-Johnstown’s 85th.
“Five years ago, we had a vision. There were some who said we were dreaming.”
Spectar said that years ago he was asked how much money was saved for the project. He said that he replied, “Zero and counting.”
“The new building enhances our capacity to provide first-class learning facilities, propels us toward great distinction in the [science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields and furthers our movement to the forefront of baccalaureate colleges,” Spectar said.
According to the press release, more than 40 percent Pitt-Johnstown students are enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics majors.
The $12 million projected building is to include one nursing simulation laboratory, six faculty offices, and two seminar/classrooms on two floors.
The Nursing and Health Sciences Building is expected to be complete next fall, which will take up the number of Pitt-Johnstown buildings to 38.
