Ground was broken for the Pitt-Johnstown Nursing and Health Sciences Building Aug. 27, 2012, beginning the anticipation of many students and faculty.

That anticipation is to soon come to a close as the building is to open Sept. 27.

University officials are hoping to begin using the building after fall break, Oct. 14, but an official move-in date has not been finalized, according to Finance and Administration Vice-President, Amy Buxbaum

The two-floor facility, next to the Engineering and Science Building, is comprised of 11 laboratories, six faculty offices and two classrooms. Buxbaum said all nursing faculty offices are to be relocated from Blackington to the new building.

Buxbaum said the university’s Board of Trustees approved a capital budget for construction at $11,867,065. Final costs are not yet complete as there is still construction, but it is within budget.
“Our students, faculty and alumni will be very proud of this academic space.  I especially love the fact that it will serve many academic disciplines and provide such a great learning environment for so many Pitt-Johnstown students,” Buxbaum said.

Nursing students also are anticipating the new building’s opening.

UPJ senior nursing major Jackie Becerra said she is excited to have a whole building instead of the nursing cave in Blackington that few seem to know.
“The program is starting to become bigger and better every year and I think the new building will really lure more students to come to UPJ and be part of the nursing program. It’s coming along great, and we senior nurses are excited to be able to have a few classes there.”

Becerra also said there is a bigger simulation lab which will allow many of the nursing students to sharpen their clinical skills.

“Oh, and there will finally be some windows in the classes for us,” she said.

Senior nursing major Angela Battaglia said that what she is most anticipating about the new building is space.
“We only have one lecture room in Blackington and our simulation lab is cramped with all the hospital beds and equipment. The new building will allow us to have multiple classrooms to build our foundations of knowledge, and the labs will give us space to practice our skills and provide a real world simulation experience.”