Renderings courtesy of Marist College
The Poughkeepsie campus starts construction on a new home for the schools of management and social and behavioral sciences.
The Marist College Board of Trustees has approved the $60 million renovation project for the Dyson Center. Opened in 1990, the Dyson Center houses the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the School of Management.
“The reimagined Dyson Center will be a campus centerpiece, with state-of-the-art facilities for teaching, learning, research, socialization and collaboration,” President Kevin Weinman says. “This project represents a bold investment in Marist’s future that will provide all Marist students with an outstanding educational experience to prepare them for successful lives and careers.”
Starting his journey as Marist’s new President during the fall semester, Dr. Kevin C. Weinman has helped the Dyson Center renovation plans move forward. The construction for the Dyson Center is set to begin in June following commencement. If the project follows the estimated timeline, it should be completed in early 2024.
Over the past 30 years, the Dyson Center has operated with only minor renovations to its offices and classrooms. When complete, the Dyson Center will be double the size, going from 54,000 sq ft to 110,000 sq ft. The facility is being funded in part by a lead gift from the Dyson Foundation.
“We envision a first-class academic building that is a hub of ideas and intellectual exchange,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Thom Wermuth says. “In planning the new Dyson Center, we wanted to ensure ample workspace for student collaboration, a signature aspect of a Marist education.”
Although the building will be brand-new, Marist already made design plans to keep the architecture and aesthetic similar to the rest of the buildings on campus. The new facility will be designed by the internationally recognized firm Ann Beha Architects. The building will feature a 150-seat lecture hall, state-of-the-art classrooms, and special research labs for cognitive, developmental, and social psychology.
“We are extremely excited for the immense potential that this project offers for the Marist student experience,” says the Dean of Students Deb DiCaprio. “With its central location on campus, this new space invites students from all disciplines to gather and socialize together.”
When taking on this project, Marist is finding ways to make the building and renovations more sustainable and energy-efficient. The new Dyson Center will feature sustainable design elements, including environmentally-friendly and locally sourced materials, and a green roof.
“The Dyson family appreciates the environmentally sustainable design, its collaborative spaces, and the focus on preparing students to launch their careers,” says Rob Dyson, board of trustees member and Dyson Foundation board chairman.
“In the 32 years since the Dyson Center opened, the Marist College student body has grown significantly, as has the College’s academic reputation,” Dyson adds. “This magnificent addition will go a long way toward preparing the next generation of leaders in business, education, criminal justice and other professions in social and behavioral sciences. ”
Not only will Dyson house the Schools of Management and Social and Behavioral Sciences, but it will also house Marist’s Center for Career Services. The center will have a new office in the facility to give students a more inviting and accessible experience with Career Services. Additionally, to give students the most modern and realistic experience, the Student Investment Center will be moved from the Hancock Center to the Dyson Center. The new building will feature an atrium with a soaring ceiling, a café, a large lounge, and a variety of collaborative and social spaces.
“In approving this project, the Board of Trustees is signaling its confidence, both in the high quality of a Marist education, and in the future of the College,” says Board Chair Ross Mauri. “We’re excited for the possibilities this project opens up and are gratified to know that the new Dyson Center will benefit Marist students for decades to come.”