BUFFALO, NY - The next chapter of the Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library is fast becoming a reality. Canisius has secured more than $4 million in gifts and pledges to transform the space into a technology-rich learning commons.
A recent $1 million gift from the estate of the late Philip C. Lombardo ’48, along with a previous contribution of $500,000 from Lombardo, will enable Canisius to begin work on the third phase of the project in summer 2015. Lombardo’s gift will be used to overhaul the central computer workstation and study areas on the main floor. The Philip C. ’48 and Josephine Lombardo Collaborative Learning Center was named in memory of the Lombardos.
Phases I and II of the library renovation were made possible by the generous contributions of the late Walter Kosiba ’43, PhD; Michael ’63 and Christine Ryan, along with the George I. Alden Trust. In addition, Carmelo ’51 and Lynn Scaccia pledged $2 million toward the library project.
The first two phases added a new group-study lounge, more flexible student seating, laptop workstations, and state-of-the-art collaborative technology facilities, which supply students with the digital tools necessary to create multi-media class presentations. The library’s Curriculum Center was also expanded and redesigned to house a comprehensive collection of educational materials to help teachers-in-training enrich their lesson plans.
