Cornell Unveils Beck Center

ITHACA, NY— The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration launched the Robert A. and Jan M. Beck Center last week. The facility provides state-of-the-art learning space for the schools undergraduate and graduate programs. The 35,000 square-foot Center features: a lecture hall for 140 individuals; three case study rooms (one equipped for distance learning); two classrooms; eight interview rooms for the Schools on-campus recruitment program; and two group study/meeting rooms, each for 10 students. Additionally, the facility features two informal seating areas; an expanded computer center; a hospitality suite to welcome visitors; and a three-story entrance atrium with meeting space. The project also included the complete renovation of the 19,000- square-foot Alice Statler Auditorium. The Center is named for Robert Beck 42, the second dean of the School, and his wife, Jan. Dean Emeritus Becks association with the School spans a half-century as a student, professor, dean and advisor. Under his stewardship, the School broadened its international reach and became known for hospitality management education. The lead benefactor for the Center is the Atlantic Philanthropies. In all, more than 450 people and organizations made financial contributions to the $16.2 million project. KSS Architects of Philadelphia designed the Center. The project was led by Christine Carstensen, project manager in Cornells Planning, Design and Construction Division.