SUNY Cortland Celebrates Renovations of Cornish and Van Hoesen Halls

On Friday morning, SUNY Cortland officially cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of the major renovation of Cornish and Van Hoesen Halls on the SUNY Cortland Campus. The two and a half year renovation project included major renovations to both the interior and exterior of the buildings at a cost of approximately $27 million.

The renovations increased internal space and centralized services. Cornish and Van Hoesen Halls are linked together and include a now upgraded Communication and Media Studies Department and offices for Conley Counseling and Wellness Services, Disability Resources and their Educational Opportunity Program.

“Our faculty and staff in our communication and media studies department now have really access to industry quality facilities that will elevate teaching and learning.” SUNY Cortland President Erik Bitterbaum said.

The building officially opened for students for the Spring semester earlier this year with minor work wrapping up since.

Renovation work additionally helped expand the universities Communication and Media Studies Department with state-of-the-art facilities including a new audio production studio, video production studio, an on-air radio station (WSUC 90.5FM), and a podcasting and cinema screening room. The centralization of the school’s media outlets, Dragon Chronicle Newspaper, WXUC, and CSTV, are now in one building. This centralization will also allow for easier collaborative projects between media outlets.

“Over the past 20 years, we have actually done over $500 million in renovation.” Bitterbaum said. “And we’re very fortunate it’s going to continue next year with the renovation of Corey. We’re number two on the list, so we can’t wait until the [state] budget is passed.”

The building also includes a classroom specifically designed for public speaking. All studios, classrooms, and the screening room are ADA accessible. Students can utilize any of the three new student lounges, a sensory room, and test accessibility services space.

“This renovation sends a message to all Cortland students that Cortland is committed to improving their education and experiences not only through traditional teaching but hands-on experience as well.” Said Parker Arenas, President of Cortland’s Student Government Association.