ABINGTON, Pa. — Gary Liguori hosted his first public event as Penn State Abington’s new chancellor on Aug. 8 for a very meaningful reason: the groundbreaking of the campus’s new $68 million academic building, scheduled to open in the fall semester of 2026. He was joined by the campus community, local and regional officials, supporters and alumni to break ground on the construction site.

“This is one of the most significant investments the University and the State of Pennsylvania can make in our students, and it demonstrates our commitment to helping students learn, grow and succeed in the world. This campus will become a center of academic excellence where the leaders of tomorrow will be shaped and where pressing issues facing our society will be discussed while preparing our students for careers in challenging fields,” Liguori said.

Liguori highlighted the physical features of the project and its impact on students.

“It will feature three floors and 7,800 square meters of modern classrooms, studios and laboratories, as well as collaborative workspaces and offices. It will be interdisciplinary and help us to further expand our community of scientists,” said Liguori, who took office as chancellor on July 1.

“People often refer to our beautiful campus as the jewel in the university’s vast network. I like to think of this new building as our crown jewel – its thoughtful design gives us greater opportunities to engage with our neighbors and preserve the character of the stunning neighborhood we are privileged to call home,” he added.

Liguori’s immediate predecessor, Margo DelliCarpini, shepherded plans for the academic building across the finish line during her tenure as Abington chancellor. Now vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and acting chancellor, she was excited to return for the ceremony.

“This new building is a physical expression of the success of the Commonwealth Campuses,” said DelliCarpini. “They are nurturing and expanding opportunities for our next generation of leaders right here in our own backyard. This project will provide students with engaging spaces and modern learning facilities and enable the development of exciting and cutting-edge degree programs.”

DelliCarpini thanked “the village,” including past chancellors, Abington Township officials, university colleagues, neighbors and the campus community, who “have been engaged from the beginning and have lent their ideas and voices to the project. We have built stronger relationships over the course of the project, leading to innovative opportunities for students and strengthened partnerships with the community.”

“Our students championed the new building, and this is their legacy, and it will benefit future generations of Penn State Abington students,” DelliCarpini said.