OBSERVER Photo by M.J. Stafford SUNY Fredonia President Stephen Kolison cuts the ribbon Friday on the newly renovated Houghton Hall.

FREDONIA — After eight years of planning and construction, the State University at Fredonia cut the ribbon on a renovated Houghton Hall Friday.

Andy Karafa, dean of the college of liberal arts and sciences at the campus, led the ceremony and said that there were some bumps on the way, but they were worth it. Budgeting issues and a year-long delay put off completion of the work on the building, which hosts computer sciences, information sciences, geology, math and physics classes.

Karafa said that at one point, the gutted structure “resembled a parking garage, so that tells you that this was a complete renovation — and if you’ve seen the building, you have no doubts, right? If you’ve been inside of it, it is complete, it is beautiful.”

He added, “It is amazing the degree to which it’s retained a lot of its original character and be a brand-new building, all at the same time.”

Houghton Hall connects to SUNY Fredonia’s Science Center, and its completion sets up what the school calls a “STEM corridor” for teaching and research. STEM stands for “science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”

Karafa sought to thank building shepherds Holly Lawson and Erica Simoson; members of the Houghton planning committee; state officials; donors; and Jason Balecha and his employer, architectural firm Mitchell Giurgola, among others.

Student Association President Ilene Thompson said, “This high tech yet comfortable interior supports students’ success, and it’s important that we provide our students with cutting edge learning opportunities and our academics with competitive research. This new facility will provide students with proper preparation for grad school and give them greater opportunities in the job market, additionally providing an innovative space to study effectively and socialize.”

Thompson added that the efforts made to design and run an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainably minded building “will be valued by prospective students, members of a socially conscious generation.”

SUNY Fredonia President Stephen Kolison said institutions must stay in alignment with society’s needs and wants if they want to remain relevant. The new Houghton Hall will help SUNY Fredonia do so, he said.

“This complex … can rival any science complex that you will find at any nationally affiliated university. And I want you to clap for that,” he said, indeed drawing applause.

Kolison continued, “Through this science corridor we will interweave our liberal arts heritage with degrees that are in demand by today’s students, parents and society. As we approach our 200th anniversary … we will continue to evolve, to secure our relevance for another 200 years.”

He added, “This ribbon cutting ushers in a new era at SUNY Fredonia. I’m so proud of what we have.”

Other speakers at Friday’s event included the SUNY Fredonia College Council’s Richard Alexander, Fredonia Village Mayor Douglas Essek (who read a proclamation praising and congratulating SUNY Fredonia for its renovations) and Mo Sumbundu, who was representing Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Tours of the building were offered prior to the ribbon cutting ceremony. Afterwards, there were ribbon cuttings for named spaces within the building. The SUNY Fredonia Jazz Ensemble provided music just before the ceremony.