A new student center will be constructed in the heart of SJC Long Island’s Patchogue campus, St. Joseph’s College has announced.
The new $17 million facility – the campus’ first new building in 18 years — will serve the College’s growing student population. It will be financed by the College’s bond issue.
“Our new Student Center project will benefit our students, faculty and staff — and the entire Long Island community,” St. Joseph’s President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D., said. “Although the current pandemic discourages us from being in the same physical space now, I know that this situation will soon pass.
Dr. Boomgaarden noted that St. Joseph’s wants to be ready for the future.
“This Student Center will assist us in our goal to bring a first-class educational experience to our students, and provide a valuable resource to the greater public,” he said.
The two-story, 32,000-square-foot facility will include a dining area, art gallery, new chapel and office for campus ministry, veterans lounge, spirit gift shop, and computer and lounge spaces. It will also include conference areas and meeting rooms and offices for faculty, staff and student clubs, as well as a designated space for the campus’ new Esports team.
“I am proud of how much my alma mater continues to grow and expand. I look forward to watching the new student center project’s progress over the next few years,” said Christopher R. Carroll, ’88, Esq., chair of SJC’s Board of Trustees. “This addition will be a wonderful space for future students and the entire SJC community.”
Construction is expected to begin in 2021 and anticipated to be completed within the next few years.
St. Joseph’s officials have worked closely with Brookhaven Town and Patchogue Village officials during the planning process for this project, which also includes a major sewer project that is underway.
“St. Joseph’s College has played a vital role in the revitalization of the Village of Patchogue,” Patchogue Village Mayor Paul Pontieri said. “The addition of the student center creates that sense of community needed on all campuses and adds to the vitality of the Greater Patchogue community.”
With dozens of student clubs and 20 NCAA DIII athletic teams operating on campus, student life at SJC Long Island is diverse and abundant, offering students countless opportunities to become involved.
“The new center will provide students with much-needed space,” said Janelle Hill, associate vice president for student life at SJC Long Island. “We are eager to share this new space with future generations of SJC students where they can create memories, build community and learn from one another.”
