Adelphi's Renovated University Center To Open This Month

GARDEN CITY, NY — For the past year and a half, Adelphi University’s hub of campus life, the Ruth S. Harley University Center (the UC), has been undergoing a major renovation. On Jan. 18, the new, expanded, state-of-the-art center, will re-open its doors.

While the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting shutdowns did cause some delays, the general contractor on the project, Whiting Turner, adapted to incorporate all safety measures and bring the job to completion.

The new UC will feature an expansive dining area, a full Starbucks, more meeting space, new student lounges and outdoor spaces for dining, classes or lounging, a new ballroom, an expanded, glass-walled commuter lounge, upgraded art gallery space, a lactation room, gender neutral bathrooms and more.

“Planning and completing the UC renovation was an enormously collaborative project,” said Jim Perrino, executive vice president of finance and administration at Adelphi. “I am so thankful for the input of students, faculty, staff and alumni, who provided thoughtful insight into how we could recreate this building consistent with our core values. The result is a beautiful, efficient and environmentally-friendly structure that was completed with more than 41 percent of the labor costs going to minority- and women-owned businesses.”

The UC upgrade also features improved accessibility and modernized technology to enhance meetings, conferences and events. Additionally, wherever possible, recycled and bio-based materials were used in the construction.

“Our Ruth S. Harley University Center is central to life at Adelphi in Garden City — not just for our students, faculty, staff and alumni, but also our greater community”, said Adelphi President Christine Riordan, PhD. “I am grateful to the Village of Garden City for the partnership, thoughtful oversight and support that helped our university bring a monumental project across the finish line. It has been my privilege to oversee the transformation of our iconic UC, and to share in the anticipation with our Adelphi family.”