(L-R) Surrounding Gov. Charlie Baker (seated) are Westfield State University President Ramon Torrecilha; Massachusetts Secretary of Education James Peyser; Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito; Westfield City Councilor Ralph Figy; Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Phelon; City of West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt ’09; Mayor Brian Sullivan; Westfield State University Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Queenin ’70; Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts President and CEO Rick Sullivan; and the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Carol Gladstone. (Photos by Amy Porter)
WESTFIELD—During a visit to Westfield State University’s campus on Tuesday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced that the university will receive a $21.25 million investment from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to renovate its oldest building, Parenzo Hall.
The funding to Westfield State is made possible by H.4549 An Act providing for capital repairs and improvements for the Commonwealth, a bill ceremonially signed by Gov. Baker during the campus visit. Overall, H.4549 authorizes approximately $3.9 billion to address the Commonwealth’s statewide capital needs, including higher education campuses, health and human services facilities, state office buildings, public safety facilities, and courts.
Gov. Baker said he wanted to do the second signing of the legislation in Parenzo Hall, to emphasize why it’s so important. He said of the 3.9 billion, $1 billion is for higher education institutions. Baker also noted the building was completed in 1956, “the year I was born. This project in particular is one we are thrilled to finance,” Gov. Baker said.
Parenzo Hall has not undergone major renovations since its opening in 1956. Nearly matching the state’s $21.25 million investment, the Westfield State Board of Trustees has also authorized up to $20 million allocation to the project, which will total $40 million.
Through the Parenzo Hall renovation project, the University plans to transform the dated building into a state-of-the-art hub for student success and workforce development. In addition to optimal space utilization, renovations will create two new centers—the Center for Innovation in Education and Industry Partnerships and the Center for Student Success and Engagement, which will have a far-reaching impact beyond the University’s physical campus.
Torrecilha called Parenzo Hall “the largest deferred maintenance project” on campus, with ADA compliance and other infrastructure issues, no air conditioning, and its original chemistry laboratories.
Torrecilha said the funds will provide an opportunity to transform an outdated facility, but that the university also did not let the campus serve as the boundary for the project. He said during the process they asked their community college partners at Berkshire, Greenfield, Holyoke and Springfield Technical Community College what they would like to see in Parenzo. “That changed the conversation,” Torrecilha said, and led to the concept for the Center for Innovation in Education and Industry Partnerships.
City Councilor Ralph J. Figy, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito during the program.
The Center for Innovation in Education and Industry Partnerships will leverage technology to serve as the nexus for innovative collaboration in western Mass., partnering with K–12 school districts, community colleges, and industry partners. It will teach students and community partners how to engage productively in online-hybrid environments that increase flexibility for students, facilitate co-enrollment, expand course choices, and provide a bridge to employment.
The Center for Student Success and Engagement will address the student-outcomes goals of the Vision Project (increasing retention/graduation rates/reducing the achievement gap). The project will also address the continuing decline in the number of working age adults. The Center will increase student preparation for advanced learning and support exploration of career pathways in elementary and high schools to prepare them for on-the-job training. New and in-demand certificate programs, as well as advanced study options will be offered to its business partners, utilizing technology.
According to Torrecilha, the two new Centers will be linked to offer students the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, work on real-world application of their knowledge and skill sets, and explore career opportunities.
“It represents a universal win. The true winners are our students, sons and daughters of Massachusetts, who represent 94% of Westfield State University students,” Torrecilha said, adding that the majority go on to build their lives and careers in the Bay State following graduation.
“It’s an exciting day for the university and the city. Any time the campus can get an upgrade, it’s a benefit,” said Mayor Brian P. Sullivan, who was among the dignitaries present at the signing.
Also present was Kate Phelon, Executive Director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, who said she was honored to be asked to provide a letter in support of the project, which was unanimously endorsed by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
“Public-private partnerships are so critical,” Phelon said, adding, “I’m so excited for Westfield State University.”
Adrienne Francis, University alumna (2010) and member of the Alumni Executive Council talked about all of the changes on campus since she graduated. “I think it’s a wonderful, innovative project which will benefit students’ long-term goals and further supports educational excellence,” Francis said.
Councilors Nicholas J. Morganelli, Jr. and Mary Ann Babinski with WSU President Ramon S. Torrecilha following the announcement.
Also present at the signing were Councilors Ralph J. Figy, Nicholas J. Morganelli, Jr. and Mary Ann Babinski, who called herself a “double Owl,” having received both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Westfield State.
The bond bill authorizes $950 million for public higher education investments. The Administration’s Fiscal Year 2019 Capital Investment Plan, released in May, budgeted $190 million for capital repairs, renovations and improvements at state universities and community colleges and the University of Massachusetts system this fiscal year, including $37.3 million in FY19 for critical repairs at all 29 campuses in the state system and $50 million for significant infrastructure projects to address potential operational and life safety issues.
Torrecilha said Westfield State competed against 29 other public institutions for the grant funding, many of whom were in attendance at the signing. “Every single partner wrote a letter of support,” Torrecilha said, including those competing for the infrastructure grant. He said Westfield State was the only four-year institution to receive it. In addition, he said they will receive $6.5 million for other critical repairs on campus.
The spirit of cooperation was also recognized by Education Secretary James Peyser, who expressed deep gratitude for the partnership of the 29 public institutions in the state. He said the process transported the way allocations to higher education are made, including a peer review from other campuses.
“Doing something like this is not easy. We didn’t have resources for all the proposals, but came out with a set of projects that are stronger for it, and will have a greater impact over time,” Peyser said.
Carol Gladstone, Commissioner of Massachusetts Division of Capital Management & Maintenance (DCAMM) also commented on the spirit of cooperation. “I’ve been personally waiting for this day for a long time. First time all 29 institutions in the state system held hands,” she said.
“It took 40 years for Westfield to get the science building. We were able to get this in two and a half years,” Torrecilha said after the signing. He also said that fundraising for the university this year was $3 million, triple the amount traditionally raised.
Torrecilha also thanked Gov. Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito for their investment in the university, and the Lt. Governor in particular for “her commitment to Western Mass. and those communities located west of Worcester.”
