McCormick Center Reimagined: A Hub for Hands-On Learning and Workforce Readiness
Bloomsburg
Posted
CU鈥揃loomsburg celebrated the dedication of the newly reimagined McCormick Center on Monday, Sept. 8. Students, faculty, alumni, donors, and community members gathered to highlight the building鈥檚 transformation into a dynamic space that enhances learning and professional preparation.
鈥淲ith this transformation of the McCormick Center, we are not just adding classrooms鈥攚e are shaping leaders,鈥 said CU Interim President Dr. Jeffery L. Osgood. 鈥淲e are not just constructing walls鈥攚e are building opportunity. We are not just honoring the past鈥攚e are preparing the future.鈥
With this renovation, the building now features cutting-edge nursing simulation labs, modern media and journalism spaces, enhanced early childhood education resources, and a center for pre-law preparation.
The McCormick Center is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Whether it鈥檚 future nurses refining their clinical judgment, educators practicing innovative teaching methods, or business students solving real-world case studies, the reimagined McCormick Center ensures every graduate leaves Bloomsburg not only educated, but ready.
Student Trustee and nursing major Jessica Dodge spoke to the significance of the facility from the student perspective. 鈥淭o walk into this building and see the incredible labs, classrooms, and technology鈥攊t feels like a vote of confidence in us,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t tells us that our university and its supporters believe in what we鈥檙e capable of becoming.鈥
Provost Michelle Kiec emphasized the impact on faculty and staff, noting how new technologies and modernized spaces allow educators to bring their teaching to life.
Dr. James McCormick鈥攆ormer Bloomsburg President and former PASSHE Chancellor, for whom the building is named鈥攔eflected on its evolution: 鈥淲hen we first opened this building back in 1973, it was envisioned as a home for nursing and teaching. To see how far it has come鈥攚ith programs and technology beyond what we imagined鈥攊s truly inspiring.鈥
The dedication also highlighted the role of philanthropy in making the vision possible.
Through The Campaign for Bloomsburg: It Starts With Us, donors have contributed more than $14.1 million in gifts and pledges toward transforming student learning experiences, including the innovations within McCormick. Campaign Co-Chair Steve Jones underscored how the campaign鈥檚 pillars鈥擜ttract, Elevate, and Prepare鈥攁re embodied in this project.
Vice President for University Advancement Erik Evans added, 鈥淪tate funding builds the walls, floors, ceilings鈥攅ven the curtains. But what makes this space exceptional鈥攖he labs, the technology, the simulation equipment, the classrooms鈥攃omes from the generosity of our donors. You have given our students not just tools, but confidence.鈥
The event concluded with the announcement of an additional gift to support the McCormick Family鈥檚 legacy, further ensuring that future generations of students benefit from these cutting-edge spaces. Following the program, guests toured the facilities and experienced student and faculty demonstrations of the building鈥檚 new technologies.
The McCormick Center renovation is a milestone for CU鈥揃loomsburg and a symbol of its ongoing mission: preparing students to succeed in the workforce through hands-on, applied learning opportunities.