Faculty look to future as Hewitt Hall construction continues
OSWEGO, N.Y. – If you’ve spent any time in SUNY Oswego’s academic quad this semester, you’ve probably noticed that construction on the new Hewitt Hall is well underway.
Each day of work on the hall brings the campus one day closer to the completion of a brand new academic building. When it’s finished, Hewitt will be home to over half of the college’s School of Communication, Media and the Arts programs.
Amy Enwright, the campus’ project coordinator, says she’s most looking forward to the positive impact the space will have on students.
“Spaces impact your life. And so having this be renovated and rejuvenated and beautiful and light and bright will just make that four-year college experience that much better,” Enwright said.
The project is about a year into construction and in its final phase. The previous phases, planning and design, involved frequent meetings with SCMA faculty for their input on what to include in the new spaces. Jeff Bradbury, an audio design professor, said he feels his input is valued and thinks the plans will benefit students.
“I think it’s really gonna be a game changer as far as being able to teach what I teach … and especially I think it’s gonna be a game changer for the student experience, because the students are gonna love these spaces,” Bradbury said.
Interior renderings by Cannon Design show an open, bright common space and two floors of studios, labs and classrooms. Exterior renderings show glass walls and a new courtyard.
When the hall opens in the fall of 2025, communications studies, cinema and screen studies and graphic design classes will be under one roof. Bradbury said he thinks this will build a sense of community among students and faculty.
“I think that kind of a feeling rubs off on people and inspires people to do more and be more,” Bradbury said.
Enwright said exterior work on Hewitt will be completed sometime during the spring 2023 semester. Work on the interior is expected to start around the same time.