Faculty, staff, students and members of the community gathered in Nicoson Hall on Nov. 4 for the University of Indianapolis Health Pavilion Topping Out Ceremony.
The UIndy Health Pavilion will be a learning environment intended to bring the occupational and physical therapy, nursing, kinesiology, psychology, athletic training and social work programs together, along with the Center for Aging and Community.
The building design includes classrooms, group work areas, research labs, an auditorium, a cafe, an outdoor plaza and a rooftop terrace. There also will be a public use area for students with a computer lab as well as a dining area.
The final beam of the building’s steel frame was hoisted into place as the audience stood watching at the ceremony.
“Topping Out” is a longtime ironworker’s tradition. It signifies that the building has reached its maximum height.
The final beam had been sitting in the Schwitzer Student Center atrium for two weeks collecting signatures from the campus community.
The ceremony continued the tradition of having the American flag, a UIndy flag and a small evergreen tree attached to the beam as it was lifted into the air.
The tree symbolized that the construction process had advanced with safety and served as a blessing for the building.
The short ceremony consisted of remarks from President Robert Manuel, Board of Trustees Vice Chair Yvonne Shaheen, Interim Associate Provost Ellen Miller and University Co-Chaplain Jeremiah Gibbs.
The speakers shared their personal experiences and feelings about the planning of this process. They said they were proud and honored to have a hand in UIndy’s project and to be a part of the growth and development of the University of Indianapolis campus and surrounding community.
After the remarks, everyone gathered outside to watch the hoisting of the final beam.
Junior social work major Alexis Fort attended the ceremony to show her support and enthusiasm.
“I’m really excited because I am a social work major,” Fort said. “I am happy that health service majors are able to get the necessary facilities to help our community.”
The UIndy Health Pavilion will be located next to Warren Hall. Construction began last summer and is set to open August 2015.
