Making Space

An important aspect of building community is having a defined space to meet and work together. For years, DuPont Hall has been the place where UD engineering students learn how to tackle pressing problems like deteriorating infrastructure, energy and environmental issues and access to clean water.

What it lacked, though, was that defined space for students to collaborate outside of classes. That changed on September 26, when the Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering held a ribbon-cutting for the new CCEE Collaboration Space.

"It is hard to overstate the value of the CCEE Collaboration Space to the students in the department-to facilitate team problem-solving, strengthen the sense of community, foster new partnerships, enhance communication and improve mental health," said Rachel Davidson, chair of the department and Donald C. Phillips Professor of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering. "We are thrilled that the new space is finally a reality after a decade of effort under three department chairs, Jack Puleo, Sue McNeil and Tripp Shenton."

Fueled by the department's fierce advocacy and the support of generous donors, 1,200 square feet of DuPont's second floor was renovated into an open room for students to work on class projects, study, hold meetings and much more.

Davidson, Puleo and College of Engineering Dean Pamela Norris all spoke at the event and cut the ribbon to officially open the new space.