Siena’s spectacular addition to its science complex is complete.
Faculty have been moving into their offices and setting up classroom and laboratory spaces to welcome Saints for the start of the spring 2025 semester. The 50,000 square foot-building, which officially opens when classes begin on January 21, features all-new specialized laboratories, classrooms, active learning spaces and more, all designed around the inspirational theme of “Dream Big” suggested by lead donors Das ’06 and Nipa Nobel.
“It’s been great walking through the space with faculty,” said Anne McCarthy, Ph.D., dean of the School of Science. “They’ve been really pleased to see all the detailed elements of the building that align with their respective departments’ academic needs. We’re all looking forward to welcoming the students back to campus for the first semester in this new space.”
McCarthy said the enhanced science complex is evidence of Siena's commitment to growing programs related to health professions and sustainability, and that nursing, environmental science and studies, biology and chemistry will all benefit from the new office and laboratory spaces in Nobel.
“It shouldn't be a 'best-kept secret' that we do excellent science at Siena,” she said. “Research and teaching spaces are student learning spaces – the opportunities here are outstanding for our undergraduates.”
The Nobel Hall project is crossing the finish line on schedule and on budget, according to Mark Frost, associate vice president for facilities management. He said several Gilbane crew members are still on site completing final inspection items, and a number of minor interior elements are still being installed. Exterior signage will go up in the next few weeks.
Testing of the HVAC equipment is ongoing, and work on the building security system, including card access and security cameras, is almost complete. The College is in consultation with local and state regulators regarding the possible need for a second handrail on the social staircase on the main floor.
Frost said a permanent certificate of occupancy is expected from the Town of Colonie in February or March, once the emergency generator is fully online.
Members of the College's Facilities staff have been instrumental in preparing Nobel Hall for the start of the spring semester. They are often the unsung heroes, tending to the maintenance and custodial needs of Siena's buildings and facilities. In recognition of their many contributions, the Facilities staff gathered on January 15 and posed for a team photo on the Nobel Hall social staircase. Then, they joined in a surprise.
There was a special surprise on January 15 for Facilities AVP Mark Frost, who has overseen the Nobel Hall project from its design phase, through to the June 2023 ground blessing/breaking, to its opening this month: a plaque bearing his name and a message to honor his dedication to the College is mounted at the entrance to the second floor general classroom.
The individual who was in charge of the entire Nobel project was kept in the dark about this one last detail. Following the Facilities crew photoshoot, Frost and his team were ushered into a classroom where Vice President Jason Rich announced this finishing touch.
“Mark’s stewardship of this pivotal project reflects his broader impact on Siena’s tireless efforts to enhance our campus and prepare it for the future,” the plaque reads in part.
Board Chairman Tom Baldwin '81 presented Frost with a duplicate plaque. Siena President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D. zoomed in to the presentation from a meeting in Florida to congratulate Frost.
“You hear me talk a lot about the importance of ‘excellence in every interaction,’” he said. “Mark absolutely personifies this in his work.”
While Frost demurred that any facilities project at Siena is a team effort, he shared that he saw his work at Siena as “a ministry.” He also mentioned that “this event was a total surprise and I am truly honored to receive this level of recognition.”
“Hopefully you can see the sense of ministry in this new building,” he said. “It will be exciting to see our students coming in next week and beginning to use it.”
