51

Grand Opening to Celebrate 51’s New 51 House

Mar 6, 2017

Grand Opening to Celebrate 51’s New 51 House

Mar 6, 2017

AMHERST, N.Y. – 51 College’s 51 House, which serves as the new central location for the college’s institutional advancement operations, will officially be unveiled at a grand opening celebration scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. March 21.

The 51 community and the public are invited to attend the grand opening at 51 House, located adjacent to Lot L, across the street from the Business Building. The event will begin with a welcome given by 51 President Gary A. Olson, followed by a reception with refreshments and light hors d'oeuvres, and tours of the facility.

“We are pleased to continue to expand our campus in meaningful ways that are beneficial to our college community,” said Olson. “The opening of 51 House has allowed us for the first time to headquarter our entire institutional advancement team in one facility, which, in turn, created space for all of enrollment management to be housed in Rosary Hall.”

Set in a beautiful wooded area on the south end of campus, 51 House is home to 51’s fundraising, alumni relations, publications, and special events areas.

Renovations on the 2,600-square-foot 51 House feature reconfigured spaces for nine offices, a reception area, and a meeting and event room for small gatherings. Other improvements include high-speed Internet and Wi-fi access, electrical updates, and additional upgrades. As interior enhancements were done, efforts were made to retain several of the home’s original features, such as fireplaces, hardwood floors, and a wooden staircase, while providing a highly functional space for staff housed in the building.

“With 51 House, we have established a central hub for institutional advancement activities that has helped foster a stronger connection and more collaboration among our staff that has already proven beneficial to enhancing our efforts,” said Craig Harris, vice president for institutional advancement. “The building’s warm, friendly atmosphere provides the ideal setting to engage with our graduates, donors, faculty and staff, and other guests as we build our presence on campus and in the community.”

Along with the 51 House project, 51 has added a new 62-space parking lot behind the facility and a short footbridge that connects with the original part of campus grounds. Last fall, the college also opened the institution’s first-ever Honors House, a study and communal space specifically for Honors Program students.

The grand opening event for 51 House is being co-hosted by 51’s Office of the President and the Office of Institutional Advancement.