New State-of-the-Art Science Building, Athletic Track to Enhance Student Experience

Utica Community
Utica Stories
New State-of-the-Art Science Building, Athletic Track to Enhance Student Experience

Montage photo of dual ribbon cuttings of Science Center and Athletic Field on October 21, 2021.

By Leah Easton '24, PR Intern

Utica College formally cut the ribbons on two massive expansions to the main campus at back-to-back dedication ceremonies Thursday, October 21, highlighting the College's continued investment into its student experience - one for the newly constructed Pioneer Track and Field Complex, followed by one for the new Science Center.

The Track and Field Complex features a new 360’ by 225’ turf practice field that is suited for football, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse and softball. Surrounding the field is an eight-lane outdoor track. Also included in the $4 million facility is a press box, full sound system, digital scoreboard and an NCAA-compliant lighting system. Nearly one-third of UC’s on-ground student body participates in NCAA Division III sports.

The new track was made possible by a $2 million gift from Lauren ’74 and Cora Bull, as well as estate gifts from Lotis Beckwith Howland, Bernard William Sullivan Jr. ’61, and Wilson H. Tyler ’69.

The newly constructed 23,300-square foot Science Center offers state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching spaces for many science courses such as genetics, biochemistry, animal physiology, human anatomy and much more. In addition to this, the Science Center houses a Geographic Information System computing laboratory and classroom, which offers more active learning places for students. This building provides students with the opportunity to access premier science equipment and gain a quality education through hands on learning. The cost of the facility was $13 million, which includes a $1 million grant from Empire State Development.

Utica College students have already begun using both new facilities.