By Emmariah Holcomb
Staff Writer
For most universities, fall semester brings new classes and challenges, but this year St. Bonaventure can add construction to its list. Over the summer, building began on the William E. & Ann L. Swan business school.
“The Swan center will be the 21st century version of the academic buildings,” said Pierre Balthazard, dean of the School of Business. “The designers of the Swan center are working to ensure the new building fits the look of the other academic buildings on campus.”
Before construction began, Plassmann Hall’s design was taken into account to ensure the Swan center would fit in.
“The faculty was involved in all major decisions about the building,” Balthazard said. “Every aspect of the building was discussed, from the type of chairs to garbage and recycling locations. Student comfort was also taken into consideration, and people of the community were also brought in for their thoughts for the building.”
Balthazard said one main change for the business faculty is all offices will be on the same floor separated by academic departments, such as finance, accounting and business.
Freshman business major Toran Nigrelli feels the new business building will be much more convenient for business majors.
“I really don’t see much downside to moving out of Murphy,” Nigrelli said. “The new building will provide many more educational resources for teachers and students than Murphy does.”
Ashley Cerda, a junior accounting major, said the business building will be a new place to call home, instead of having to share Murphy and Plassmann.
“There is a large population of journalism and mass communication majors in Murphy,” Cerda said. “The new business center will give the business and accounting majors an environment to call their own.”
Jarred Hebeler, a senior business major, said business students will be more focused in the new building.
“I think when students walk in, they will enter a strictly business environment without any other distractions,” Hebeler said.
Although Hebeler will no longer be a student when the Swan center is finished, he feels the building will attract many future business students to Bonaventure.
“It shows this university is committed to being leaders, not followers, in the business world,” Hebeler said.
Kelly Sperrazzo, a senior accounting major, sees the building as a way for everyone to work together with new technology.
“I am looking forward to the updated technology with the financial services lab,” Sperrazzo said.
Balthazard said many people are to thank for the business building.
“Lots of love went into this building,” he said. “Every brick was paid for by alums who wanted to see this project happen. This will be a world-class facility that will make our guests feel comfortable.”
Batlthazard said the new business building will offer an exciting upgrade to campus.
“People want new and fresh,” Balthazard said, “This building will become a brand of its own and receive lots of use. Next fall, when students and faculty enter the Swan center, they should be wowed.”
