YSU's President Dr. David Sweet says, "This building will be a focal point for faculty and student interaction with our downtown and our business community."
And this focal point is finally taking shape.
After years of planning and fund raising, YSU topped off its new Williamson College of Business as the last steel beam was set into place.
But before it took the three story journey, faculty, staff, community leaders, and key donors signed the ceremonial piece of metal.
Warren "Bud" Williamson, who's family donated 5 million dollars to the school, says, "All I can say is that its been a pleasure for us as long time members of the community to take part in this huge community wide project that represents all of us. So thank you for the opportunity."
Six months into the construction, the steel skeleton gives a sneak peak to how the 35 million dollar project will serve the 2 thousand business students.
Dr. Betty Jo Licata, the Dean of the Business College, says, "The rounded part you can see at this end, and now you can can actually see things it may make more sense, is our 200 seat auditorium. The two rounded structures you see on the north side of the building will be 70 seat tiered classrooms."
But officials also hope the facility will serve the local business community.
Mayor Jay Williams says, "the fact they will be able to hold conferences here, so not only business use from here in the valley but across the state and across the nation."
This building not only represents a promising future, but its had an immediate impact on the local economy.
Mayor Williams says, "In this very difficult economic recession the fact here we are with several construction jobs going on here that will be going on for at least another year."
Class is expected to start in the building next fall.
