Biggest building project opens at Salisbury University

The new Patricia Guerrieri Academic Commons is now open for Salisbury University students.

We’re told by university officials this is the largest academic construction project since the founding of the campus in 1925.

“Words cannot begin to describe what I’m feeling today,” says university President Janet Dudley-Eshbach. “This is the most important building project during my 17-year career at Salisbury University.  As we planned the structure, our thinking was not simply to erect a bigger and better library, but to transform the learning experience for students and for the University at a critical time in its evolution.”

The four-story building includes more than 600 computers and 24-hour study areas.

Eight million of the 117 million dollar building project was contributed the Guerrieri Family Foundation.

The building is in memory of alumna Patricia Guerrieri; however, we’re told it will also be known as the PLC since Patty Lu was Patricia’s nickname.

“We’re really excited President Janet is going to encourage everyone to call it the PLC, because we know the students are going to want to use abbreviations so that will honor her in a very nice way,” explained Michael Guerrieri, Patricia’s son.

Officials say one of the center’s most distinctive features is a 147-foot-high carillon tower, which is the tallest point on campus. 

The 48-bell instrument will be installed later this year. It was donated by Greenville resident Bill Church in memory of his longtime partner, Samuel R. Brown.