Bermuda College Construction On Schedule
The Bermuda College Foundation said that construction of the new $3.8 million Career Development Centre at Bermuda College is on schedule “despite the challenging environment.”
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda College Foundation announced today that construction of the state-of-the-art Career Development Centre at Bermuda College is on schedule despite the challenging environment.
“The recent $3.8 million donation by several Bermuda-based [re]insurers, being Athene Life Re Ltd., a reinsurance subsidiary of Athene Holding Ltd. Athora Holding Ltd., Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, and Catalina Holdings [Bermuda] Ltd, represents a significant boost towards achieving the Foundation’s vision that Bermuda College students will one day benefit from a fully funded, state-of-the-art college.”
Garry Madeiros, Deputy Chairman, Bermuda College Foundation, said, “The donated funds are to provide the construction of a new wing on the second floor of Hallett Hall, a state-of-the-art lecture theatre, as well as install major technology enhancements throughout the campus to create a centre of excellence at the college.
The spokesperson said, “This project has been the most significant development to the college’s facilities and infrastructure in the past 25 years. It will set the standard for classrooms, labs and office space as a globally competitive learning and instructive facility, second to none in terms of its adaptive technologies and innovative collaboration spaces, to meet the needs of the 21st century student and the wider community.”
Mr. Madeiros said, “We are so appreciative to the Athene Group for their thoughtful and insightful gift that is strongly moving us to the state-of-the-art vision.
“Currently the construction project is on schedule with 95 percent of the structural envelope of the building complete and interior fit out work has commenced. Furnishings and fixtures have been selected and orders have been placed.
“It is anticipated that the entire project will be completed by the beginning of the Fall 2021 semester, notwithstanding unanticipated delays.”
The spokesperson said, “The initiative launched in March 2021 with the removal of the roof of Hallett Hall to facilitate the addition of a second floor that will house the Career Development Centre and include the following:
- A model classroom
- A model computer lab
- An Innovation Lab
- A modernised and upgraded Lecture Theatre
- An updated network service, with significantly increased bandwidth
- The re-located offices of the Division of Professional and Career Education [PACE]
“The Innovation Lab provides a space where creative minds can explore ways of turning ideas into projects, and, subsequently, into viable business entities.”
Director of Information Technology Services, Ben Nwasike, said, “This space will be equipped with high-tech equipment such as a programmable robot, 3-D printer, 3-D scanner, high-end graphic laptops and virtual/augmented reality systems.
“It will be open to both students and faculty, as well as the general community through reservations. Ideas such as app development, robotics and internet of things [IoT], prototyping, data modelling and immersive experience are some of the expected outcomes of this unit.”
Plant and Operations Manager, Cleun Gaiton, said, “The renovated lecture theatre in Hallett Hall will allow for more functional and flexible teaching by way of additional audiovisual equipment to aid in presentation. The Hall will also provide more user-friendly seating, giving all occupants the ability to charge and use devices needed for class or training sessions.”
College President, Dr. Duranda Greene, said, “We remain deeply indebted to Athene and its partners, and to the Bermuda College Foundation for helping Bermuda College to re-construct a new standard for its educational spaces, and enabling us to continue to proudly and confidently serve our campus and community constituents. This is a true milestone for the college.”
Natasha Scotland Courcy, SVP General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer, Athene Life Re Ltd, said, “On behalf of my colleagues at Aspen, Athora and Catalina, we are thrilled by the construction progress that has been made on the Career Development Centre.
“Seeing the renovations advance and the building plans come to life is a testament to the business community’s commitment to education and to growing talent here in Bermuda. When the Centre opens, we are excited to see the realization of our efforts and how these new resources will transform the lives of students and nurture the bright minds of Bermuda’s evolving workforce.”
The spokesperson said, “The Foundation has committed to continuous fund-raising efforts, including garnering endowment funds to ensure that the college retains its viability.”
Mr. Madeiros said, “There is still a long way to go to meet the objectives of the Capital Campaign. The Foundation invites both corporate and individual partners to join us in support of our only college.
“Community support will help develop a modern infrastructure to continue to provide equitable education for local students who may not be able or want to travel overseas to continue education. Bermuda College has been a vital asset in Bermuda’s overall success for the past 47 years.”
Bet you govt not involved, thats why its on time and budget.
Unlike the wall on harbor road, definitely heading for a valentines day finish.