Special to the Journal

Albany Technical College held a “topping off” ceremony on Wednesday at the construction site of the Logistics Education Center. The ceremony commemorated the installation of the building’s final beam. The center will be the new home for the college’s student center, online learning, library, and culinary arts.

During the ceremony, Quillian Powell Construction Co. allowed Dr. Anthony Parker, Albany Tech’s president, and others to put their signatures on the final beam before it was raised and put in place. The center is slated to open in March 2011.

“The center will give Albany Tech the opportunity to enhance an already successful distance education program in logistics and supply chain management,” Parker said. “In addition, the facility will house our culinary arts program, including a new chef’s assistant option. A student center will also be located on the ground floor where students can relax between classes or get a hot snack. The facility will house a new library media center and boardroom
on the second floor. This new facility improves the quality of student life and we are excited to be able to mark this milestone in its construction.”

With the final beam in place, the remainder of the roof system can be installed and allow the contractor to completely dry in the building. Once this is accomplished, progress toward completion is less dependent on good weather.

SPECIAL PHOTOS
Dr. Anthony Parker, president of Albany Tech, gives a “thumbs up” after signing the last beam. The last beam is finally raised up and put in place by two of the construction crew members.