On Saturday, May 14, 2022, Stevens hosted The Power of You celebration, alongside the opening of the University Center Complex. Saturday’s events commenced with the University Center Complex ribbon-cutting ceremony. This event was invite-only and was hosted with the purpose of honoring the University Center Complex donors.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony began at 4 p.m. with a reception at the University Center Complex. At 4:30 p.m., the official program commenced with a performance by the President’s Ensemble. Laura Rose, Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, gave a welcome and introduction, followed by remarks from Stevens’ President Nariman Farvardin. On the University Center Complex, President Farvardin stated that, “The University Center Complex is a lasting investment in our commitment to student-centricity. Thousands of students will benefit every year from modern facilities for residence life, clubs and activities, and events. It is also a signal to the world that Stevens is a university on the rise. For the first time, our campus proudly displays the Stevens name to New York City and beyond.”
Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla also gave remarks, as well as Robert Maffia, Vice President for Facilities and Campus Operations, and alumnus Stephen T. Boswell, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Sofia Lopez, class of ‘25, gave a performance, which was followed by remarks from Sara Klein, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, and Gab Poska, the President of the Student Government Association (SGA).
The official cutting of the ribbon occurred at 5:15 p.m, and was followed by closing remarks from Rose. Guided tours of the University Center Complex and receptions in the Marketplace, Grand Commons, and Gallery were offered from 5:20 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
The Power of You celebration began at Babbio with a welcome reception at 6 p.m. This celebration was open to the Stevens community upon registration. Welcome remarks were given by President Farvardin, and Campaign Co-Chairs Lawrence T. Babbio and Sean Hanlon. From 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m., there was an Impact Showcase that showcased students and faculty from business, entrepreneurship, creative arts, robotics, and research. This portion of the event was self-guided and featured exhibits in Babbio Center, Walker Gym, and the Gateway Academic Centers. Food and beverages were provided.
At 8 p.m., the University Center Complex Open House allowed students and guests to tour the newly-opened complex. The event concluded with closing remarks by President Farvardin at 9 p.m., followed by a fireworks display and an after-party.
The Power of You event was hosted to celebrate the success of The Power of Stevens campaign. This campaign was kickstarted to support Stevens’ ambitious plans for renovation titled The Future. Ours to Create. Over $200 million were raised for The Power of Stevens campaign. $126.3 million were raised toward student success, which will be dispersed in the form of 158 newly-established scholarships. $27.5 million were raised for faculty excellence, as 18 new chairs and fellowships have been established. Finally, $46.8 million were raised toward campus renovations. According to Hanlon, “More than 14,000 alumni, faculty, students, parents, and friends donated to enhance the Stevens experience. There was inspiring enthusiasm in everyone I spoke with.” On The Power of You event, Hanlon stated that “it was an uplifting event that all in attendance were fortunate to have been a part of.”
The Power of Stevens campaign was kickstarted in 2013 and has supported Stevens’ growth and renovations since. According to Rose, this campaign “had an impact throughout campus, from classrooms and labs to athletics and the arts.” Among the renovations supported by this campaign include important Stevens “landmarks like the University Center Complex, the Lore-El Center for Women’s Leadership and more,” as stated by Rose.
The Power of You event served as a way for Stevens to thank the donors of The Power of Stevens campaign, as well as foster new on-campus beginnings with the University Center Complex.
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