Harper College marks construction milestone with beam-signing for new Business and Social Sciences Building

Harper College marked a major construction milestone on April 28 with a beam-signing ceremony for its new Business and Social Sciences Building.

The event brought together college leadership, faculty, staff, students and community members to celebrate the building’s progress as its structure begins to take shape. A longstanding construction tradition, a beam-signing ceremony invites participants to leave their signatures on a structural beam before it is raised into place — symbolizing both progress and the shared effort behind the project.

“This moment represents more than construction progress — it reflects our continued commitment to creating environments that support innovation, connection and opportunity,” said Dr. Avis Proctor, Harper College president.

The new 92,380-square-foot facility will serve as the future home for a wide range of academic programs, including business, economics, education and legal studies.

“This building is designed to support active and applied learning,” said Dr. Yolonda Barnes, dean of the Business and Social Science Division. “Spaces like the moot courtroom, the Early Childhood Lab School and flexible classrooms will give students hands-on opportunities that prepare them for careers and for transfer. These experiences matter because they help our students see themselves in their future professions.”

Funded by the voter-approved 2018 referendum, the $78 million project is part of Harper’s broader campus master plan to modernize facilities and expand opportunities for students and the community.

As signatures were added and the beam prepared for raising, the ceremony offered a moment to reflect on the collective effort behind the project — and to look ahead to the generations of students who will learn, collaborate and build their futures within its walls.

The building is expected to open in time for the spring 2028 semester.