Abram Nesbitt, III Academic Commons

Growth continues on the Wilkes-Barre campus as construction has been completed on the new Abram Nesbitt, III Academic Commons. The $8 million dollar environmentally responsible building opened to students at Penn State Wilkes-Barre for the start of the 2008 academic semester. Located at the heart of the campus, the state-of-the-art facility has a sustainable design, which means the building is made up of recycled and energy efficient products. This one-of-a-kind structure is the only building in the Penn State regional area that's Leeds certified.

The new 21,000 square foot Academic Commons will house the Nesbitt Library, Barry Auditorium, the Friedman Art Gallery, the Reese cyber café, and four technologically smart class-rooms. Nesbitt Academic Commons will also serve as a destination stop for many cultural and educational activities. Bohlin Cywinski Jackson of Wilkes-Barre was the architectural firm responsible for the design of the building, and Lobar Incorporated was chosen as the general contractor. 

A dedication ceremony featuring Graham B. Spanier, President of the Pennsylvania State University, and Charles H. Davis, Chancellor of Penn State Wilkes-Barre is scheduled for Thursday March 27, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.

For more information, contact Mark Gregorio, Penn State Wilkes-Barre, Public Information Coordinator at 570.675.9269.