Mount Aloysius College Unveils the Mountie Success Commons & Library: A $7 Million Transformation
CRESSON, PA — After nearly two years of meticulous planning and construction, Mount Aloysius College proudly unveiled the Mountie Success Commons & Library, a state-of-the-art facility that represents a significant investment in student success. The $7 million renovation project, which culminated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, has transformed the college’s library into a vibrant hub for academic and career development.
A Vision for Student Success
The renovation project was spearheaded by Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dave Haschak, following a directive from the college’s board of trustees to find a new home for the Career Center. Previously located in a cramped office within the Administration Building, the Career Center lacked the space necessary to host large seminars and events. Recognizing the growing demand for career services among students, Haschak and his team sought to create a more conducive environment for job preparation and career development.
“Students are increasingly seeking assistance in finding their first job and preparing for interviews,” Haschak noted. “We needed a space that could accommodate more staff and services, and the previous location simply wasn’t adequate.”
After evaluating various locations on campus, administrators decided to relocate the Career Center to the second floor of the library, which was underutilized. This strategic move not only enhances visibility and accessibility but also consolidates essential student support services in one central location.
Comprehensive Student Support Services
The newly minted Mountie Success Commons & Library is more than just a library; it is a comprehensive resource center that houses the Career Center, Tutoring Center, Advising Center, Student Testing Center, Cybersecurity Lab, and the Center for Elevated Teaching & Learning for faculty professional development. This integration of services aims to provide students with a holistic support system to thrive academically and professionally.
The first phase of construction, which included the Career Center and a significant portion of the Cyber Security Lab, was completed by fall 2023. The final touches on the remaining services were wrapped up in early fall 2024, marking a significant milestone for the college.
Funding the Future
The $7 million renovation was made possible through a combination of internal capital, alumni donations, and a limited number of state and local grants. Haschak emphasized the importance of community support in realizing this ambitious project, stating, “The success of the Success Commons project is evident in the growing number of students who now utilize the space and surrounding services.”
A New Home for the Career Center
Under the leadership of Sarah Kordish, the associate director for career development, the Career Center has undergone a remarkable transformation. The new space is significantly larger than its predecessor, allowing for the hiring of additional staff and the introduction of dedicated rooms for interviews and resume revisions.
One of the standout features of the new Career Center is the “Career Closet,” which provides students with access to professional attire for job fairs and interviews at no cost. Kordish highlighted the importance of this resource, especially for students living on campus or those unfamiliar with the local area. “It’s a really cool resource,” she said, noting that the previous Career Closet was difficult for students to locate.
The expanded Career Center also enables the college to host events on-site, eliminating the need to transport students across the region for job fairs. “We’re able to host events in our own dedicated space now,” Kordish added.
Enhancing Student Comfort and Collaboration
Creating a comfortable and inviting environment for students was a top priority during the renovation. The Mountie Success Commons features a small kitchenette, ample charging outlets, and a variety of seating options, including traditional desks, group-work tables, and cozy sofas.
Sophomore Caylie Conlon expressed her enthusiasm for the new study rooms, stating, “One of the biggest things I enjoy here is the study rooms; it’s been huge. You can hardly get a study room; it’s so used.” The soundproofed rooms provide a private study area, allowing students to focus without distractions.
Additionally, the Cyber Security Lab has been equipped with 25 three-monitor desktop computers and a full server room, enabling students to gain hands-on experience with high-end technology. Junior IT major Dillon Trausi praised the new lab, stating, “There’s so much more room, it’s so much more open, and we feel much more accepted on this campus.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The Mountie Success Commons & Library stands as a testament to Mount Aloysius College’s commitment to fostering student success and enhancing the overall educational experience. With its comprehensive support services, modern amenities, and collaborative spaces, the facility is poised to become a cornerstone of student life on campus.
As the college continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its students, the Mountie Success Commons serves as a shining example of how thoughtful planning and community support can create an environment where students can thrive academically and professionally. The future looks bright for Mount Aloysius College and its students, who now have access to resources that empower them to succeed in their academic and career pursuits.