NORFOLK, Neb. –- Northeast Community College closed the recent school year in a similar fashion to how it began – celebrating the 50th anniversary of its birth and the prominence of the Maclay building.
The two events were noted during a topping out ceremony for the new Maclay building, which has risen up on the same ground where the original Maclay building was located.
For those unfamiliar, a topping out ceremony is the celebration of putting in place the final beam, marking a significant achievement in the construction. The new Maclay is scheduled to open in the fall of 2025, with drywall and interior work taking place now.
Ahead of the topping out ceremony, Northeast conducted a beam signing event to note the milestone.
Members of the Northeast community -- including students, faculty, staff and the public -- were invited to sign the beam and express any wishes in writing on the beam ahead of the April 23 topping out ceremony.
Leah Barrett, Northeast president, noted the significance of the Maclay building over the past 50 years, and how technological advances will be featured to enhance learning in the new Maclay.
Barrett recognized the board of governors who approved construction, along with the faculty and staff who served on a committee that planned it.
“Your time and commitment are much appreciated,” Barrett said. “It shows our shared commitment to excellence and innovation in our educational programs. …It is going to be an amazing new facility.”
Hausmann Construction and Wilkins Architecture Design Planning helped to coordinate the topping out ceremony, including placing the beam onto the roof with a crane before about 75 people.
When the new school year was starting in September, Northeast conducted a 50th anniversary celebration and groundbreaking for the new Maclay building.
Barrett noted that the passion that earlier leaders had for Northeast made it possible for the college to achieve the success it has attained.
Planning the Maclay
Earlier this spring, Northeast hosted a beam-signing ceremony just outside the construction site of the new Maclay. Among those recognized were some Northeast board members and a committee of faculty and staff who planned it. (Northeast Community College)
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