The campus Quad, which began development back in 2009, has finally come to fruition after 15 years.
The project was originally dubbed the project Substructure, Science Center, Pool Building and Plaza Demolition and Quadrangle Development project, and according to the the development section of UMass Boston’s website, was planned to take 25 years, but has found itself 10 years ahead of schedule.
Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco was given the honors of cutting the ribbon April 5 of this year, and now with the fall semester underway, the Quad is fully available for use.
The Chancellor has dubbed the Quad “UMass Boston 2.0,” saying, “In so many ways — symbolically, aesthetically, functionally — at universities across our country, the Quad is the beating heart of the campus, a place of study, reflection, discovery, collaboration, socializing, and fun.”
He added in his Convocation ceremony speech, “It is glorious that Beacons will be able to enjoy this Quad as their own.”
According to an email sent out recently by Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Kathleen Kirleis, there are several new areas to explore throughout the Quad. These include “the Grove,” an area of picnic tables in front of Healey Library and McCormack, and an outdoor basketball court near the Clark Athletic Center that is first come, first serve.
Kirleis also said to “look forward to future guided educational tours focusing on [the Quad’s] plantings, bioswales, and other elements to enhance the environment.”
In addition to these tours, there will be a Beacon Wellness Walk Fair Thursday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which will include a tour of the Quad.
Kirleis emphasized the Quad’s focus on freedom in the email, saying, “We value maximum freedom of expression and the protection of all members of our communities. At UMass Boston, freedom of expression is vital to our shared goal of the pursuit of knowledge.”
Hung Truong, a student at UMass Boston, said the Quad has provided him with a space of comfort. “It’s a nice view to look at between classes, much better than the mountains of dirt they used to have,” he said.
Fellow student Kim Dinh felt similarly, saying, “It’s refreshing to see some green around here.”
