East Hall dedication is a celebration of generosity
October 16, 2008
By Tracy Mack
WPI staff
As grape-sized raindrops fed the sedum and chives planted atop East Hall, trustees, alumni, and other guests gathered inside Thursday for the official dedication of the WPI’s new “green” residence hall.
The dedication also was a celebration of the generosity of three trustees—Judy Nitsch ‘75, Bob Martin ‘75, and Jack Shields ’69—for whom several areas of the building were named.
“One of the things I am proudest about in this building is that it really represents the complete picture of what we are doing at WPI in supporting the development of our students,” President Dennis Berkey said during opening remarks.
The building includes project rooms where small groups of students can meet and collaborate, which Dr. Berkey pointed out, reflects the academic philosophy of WPI. The fitness center, technology suites, music room, hi-speed Internet service, and state-of-the-art security system all were lauded for their roles in creating a well-rounded WPI student.
“This is a really exciting time for WPI because we are close, if not have already taken, the bold strides necessary to secure our place in the leadership position in science and technology education,” said Dexter Bailey, vice president of development and alumni relations. “Like WPI’s founding fathers Boynton and Washburn, our current leaders have stepped forward [in the building of East Hall] and met the challenge of continuing to do the work that needs to be done to help to preserve this institution.”
Bailey presented a photo plaque to Nitsch and her husband, Tony Magliozzi, as a token of thanks for their contributions toward East Hall’s palletized green roof. In an almost prophetic twist to the day, the rain outside was an opportunity for the roof’s storm-water monitoring system to measure the amount and quality of runoff controlled by the green roof. One-third of the roof is palletized and will provide students and faculty future opportunities to study plant materials best suited for such roofs.
“Only someone who chairs the Board of Trustees facilities committee would want to fund a roof,” Nitsch joked during her acceptance speech.
But on a serious note, Nitsch said, “As I’ve found in recent meetings, you have to find something that a person is interested in and nab them. To me, to have a green roof named after me means a lot, so I really appreciate it.”
Nitsch is the founder and owner of Nitsch Engineering, and the first alumna member of the WPI Board of Trustees.
Bailey presented another plaque to Randie and Bob Martin, who received a degree in electrical engineering from WPI. The Martins provided support for two areas in the building—the first floor conference room and the courtyard, which sits outside the conference room.
The conference room is named in honor of the Martins, and the courtyard is named for Randie Martin’s father, Edward D. Chase, a member of the class of 1934 at WPI.
Bob Martin currently serves on the WPI Board of Trustees and is chairman of the President’s Circle, WPI’s leadership group of annual donors. He is a senior product executive with more than 30 years of experience and an entrepreneur who has helped start three technology companies, two of which had successful IPOS.
“This is quite an honor,” Bob Martin said. "My wife and I thought about the students of WPI and how this is a great way to express the gift that was given to me and to Randie’s dad by attending here.”
Trustee Jack Shields and his wife, Judy, who were unable to attend the ceremony, were honored for their financial support of one of the technology suites in the building.
East Hall is another symbol of WPI’s commitment to sustainability. The $52 million project is the university’s second green building. The Bartlett Center, dedicated in 2006, was the first. East Hall is awaiting final LEED certification, which is anticipated to be at the gold level.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: October 24, 2008 15:05:25