A large audience, including members of the Board of Trustees, students, faculty, and staff, packed a lecture hall on the first floor of the new Park B. and Linda Smith Laboratories to watch the dedication and blessing of the state-of-the-art building that will further strengthen science education at Holy Cross.
The four-story building opened for spring semester classes and labs on Jan. 14. Smith Labs represents the completion of the first phase of the Integrated Science Complex, the most ambitious building project in the College’s history.
Two spaces within the building were dedicated during the ceremony: the George I. Alden Trust Organic Chemistry Laboratory and the McLaughlin Family Lecture Hall. Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., president, blessed the building.
“In addition to creating state-of-the-art facilities for our departments in the physical sciences, we are establishing connections that will revolutionize the way in which we address the social and scientific issues that affect us and our world by integrating the physical science and mathematical departments in Haberlin, Swords, and O’Neil, with psychology and sociology (the scientific and the humanistic),” said Fr. McFarland. “In Beaven Hall, next door, we unite student and faculty researchers from across scientific and social-scientific disciplines and stimulate new collaborative approaches in Holy Cross’ acclaimed undergraduate science curriculum.”
The new building was named in honor of the Smiths, who were on campus to participate in the dedication on Jan. 23.
“Linda and I stand here both humbled and exalted by the fact we will be associated with the great teaching and learning that will transpire here for as long as this building stands,” said Smith. “This little Catholic school on Packachoag Hill has and will continue to produce as graduates the finest scientists and doctors in the world. Bursting with pride, I say this not as a boast but as a documented fact. … I could say so much more about this College which I love but fear my words would fall far short of adequately expressing my intense feelings. ”
Timothy Austin, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the College, said that the new building will allow science to be taught at the highest caliber, whether it be in introductory courses or more advanced learning.
“In advanced courses and then in independent research projects with faculty mentors, our students will gain access to the extraordinary array of scientific equipment that the College has acquired in settings that maximize each instrument’s potential,” he said.
Thanks to the intentional use of glass on the exterior of the new building, Austin stated that Smith Labs shines a bright light on the value that Holy Cross places on science education.
“This open and attractive building positively invites passers-by to glance inside, step inside, sit inside — in short, to become a part of all that is going on here,” he said. “In this way, Smith Labs will remind us every day that the sciences and science education form an integral part of a liberal arts education.”
Pictured: Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., president, blesses the new Park B. and Linda Smith Laboratories.
Related Information:
- Integrated Science Complex
- Photo Gallery: Take a Look at the New Park B. and Linda Smith Laboratories at Holy Cross
- Video: Watch as Students in the First Class in Smith Labs 'Inaugurate' the Chalkboard
- Video: Hear What Donors, Students, and Faculty are Saying
- Video: Chemistry Faculty Speak About Teaching in Smith Laboratories
