‘Topping-Off’ Ceremony Marks Milestone TAMIU Construction
A tree, a beam and a signed promise for the future.
All joined together Thursday morning at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) as the University held a “Topping-Off Ceremony” for its Academic and Laboratory Hall, now under construction on the east end of the 300-acre campus.
The 120,000 gross square feet building will be the largest classroom and laboratory addition to the campus and home to its growing engineering and science programs. The massive structure enables TAMIU to increase popular offerings in critical STEM fields.
TAMIU president Dr. Pablo Arenaz welcomed guests, including The Texas A&M University System Chancellor, John Sharp.
Chancellor Sharp noted that the new building affirms TAMIU’s mission.
“By providing them the opportunity to learn on this beautiful campus, with incredible faculty, in state-of-the-art facilities like this new building, TAMIU is truly changing the lives of its students,” Chancellor Sharp observed.
Dr. Arenaz said the day’s Topping Office Ceremony traces its roots to Scandinavian celebrations that date back to 700 AD. Then, a tree was attached to a beam that was lifted to the highest elevation of the structure. Topping-Off ceremonies have become a TAMIU tradition as buildings are added to the campus.
The three-story Academic and Laboratory Hall, which features innovative use of glass and soaring spaces, will be a beautiful beacon on campus, Arenaz said.
“When complete, there will quite simply be nothing like it, and it will certainly be an impressive part of our campus’ architecture, and a beautiful beacon of learning,” Dr. Arenaz said.
For Thursday’s ceremony, dignitaries and guests including Chairman of the A&M Board of Regents, Charles W. Schwartz, State Senator Judith Zaffirini, and Rafael Benavides, representing Congressman Henry Cuellar, signed a beam that was raised to a building highpoint. Affixed to that was a living, six-foot Italian Stone Pine, which will be integrated into the building’s landscaping in the future.
In her remarks, Senator Zaffirini invoked the words of Winston Churchill, who said “We shape our buildings, and then they shape us.” “This building will help us to grow and serve our students…and help them to be excellent in every way,” she said.
Benavides offered a special plaque to the University and its students from Cong. Cuellar who is at work in Washington, D.C.
Academic and Laboratory Hall is projected to welcome faculty and students in 2019.
For additional information, contact the TAMIU Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 956.326.2180, email prmis@tamiu.edu, click on tamiu.edu or visit offices the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.
University information is also available on its social media sites on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
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