Distinguished guests highlight Franklin Street Residence Hall Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

^{By: Andrew Mees, Director of College and Athletics Communications                   communications@bloomfield.edu}

A picturesque autumn afternoon set the stage for the celebration of one of Bloomfield’s most historic achievements Oct. 18, as distinguished guests came together with members of the College’s community to celebrate the grand opening of the Franklin Street Residence Hall with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony.

Prominent visitors including Senator Sandra Cunningham, Assemblymen Ralph Caputo ’63 and Tom Giblin, Assemblywoman Alison McHose, Councilmen Nick Joanow and Elias Chalet and Bloomfield Mayor Michael J. Venezia joined College trustees and donors in a special morning program to commemorate the largest construction project in the Bloomfield’s history and usher in a new era of growth for the institution.

“We cut a ribbon to open a new residence hall, but also it symbolizes opening a new era for the College,” said Bloomfield President Richard Levao. “A new era that focuses on creating a fully supportive learning environment which will help to assure success to generations of students coming to Bloomfield College. It also opens a new era of enhanced cooperation between the College and Bloomfield Township, and its location, in the heart of the traditional business district, represents how much a part of the Township is the College and how much a part of the College is the Township.”

The event also acknowledged donors who participated in the Franklin Street Residence Hall fundraising initiative, with alumni, current and former trustees, faculty, staff, corporate and foundation partners being recognized for contributing over $1 million to the institution.

“The ribbon cutting ceremony was truly an unforgettable experience,” College Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jackie Bartley said. “To see all of the people that have been so supportive of this project come together to celebrate its completion is very special; I will never forget the smiles on the faces of our donors as they stood next to the plaques bearing their names within the building. Days like today are a powerful reminder of what is possible at this College.”

The festivities served as a highlight for the institution’s annual Deacon’s Fest celebrations, which included events for Alumni Homecoming, Parents Weekend and Fall Open House. An annual autumn tradition, the day brought together Bloomfield students past, present and future, making for an unforgettable afternoon on the College’s campus grounds and the perfect opportunity to unveil aspects of the school’s new institutional brand.

“It was so exciting to use Deacon's Fest as the platform to launch our new branding campaign,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Adam Castro. “I believe our prospective students and their families appreciate the student-first approach of the new concept. We want them to know they are our number one priority from the day they apply for admission to the day they graduate and that promise never wavers. Coupling this with a campus that has never looked better and the energy and enthusiasm generated by the Franklin Street Residence Hall Ribbon Cutting and Alumni Homecoming made it a banner day not only for our office, but for the entire institution.” 

Click here to view photos of the Franklin Street Residence Hall Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.