North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally

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North Ridgeville City Schools' Ranger Rally
North Ridgeville City Schools' Ranger Rally was a celebration of the start of the new school year and a show of appreciation to the local community for their continued support of the new high school project. The Ranger Rally hosted food trucks, games, informational booths, bouncy houses, a rock climbing wall, the opening of the Wilcox Elementary Class of 2000 Time Capsule, and a groundbreaking ceremony.

North Ridgeville City Schools' Ranger Rally

North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally served as a thank you to the community and a celebration of the start of another school year. The Friday evening back-to-school kickoff culminated with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new North Ridgeville High School, which will open in 2028.

As visitors arrived, they were greeted by the marching band and cheerleaders, guiding them to dozens of activities, booths, and food trucks inside Ranger Stadium. A rock climbing wall, inflatable bouncy houses, games, and balloon animals created a carnival-like atmosphere for families to enjoy.

“A part of our evening tonight was to show appreciation for our families and all of their support for the schools,” said Meghan Hignite, Principal of North Ridgeville High School.

"We are honored to be the architects designing the Transportation and Maintenance Center in addition to the new high school."
Claire Bank, AIA, NCARB, ALEP
Project Manager, ThenDesign Architecture

The Ranger Rally Revisits the Past

The 2000 Wilcox Elementary School Time Capsule was opened near the entrance to the high school, and a letter from the class of 2000 was read. William Noll from the North Ridgeville Historical Society explained the history of the school and Superintendent Elizabeth Wilcox, for whom it was named. Former Wilcox principals Chris McCully and Lee Armbruster gave comments, sharing their personal connections to the school.

The site for the new North Ridgeville High School had been prepared for construction and was an ideal location to host the groundbreaking ceremony.

“We are truly grateful to have you all here to share in such a meaningful milestone for our community,” said Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio. “Since the day I became a Ranger, we have been working toward this very moment, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it come to life today. This ceremony is not just about breaking ground. It’s about building the future for students today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.”

North Ridgeville Mayor Kevin Corcoran read a proclamation, “This new facility will provide modern, innovative learning spaces that reflect North Ridgeville City School’s mission of empowering students to design their preferred future and support its academic achievement, career readiness, and extracurricular opportunities for generations of students.”

"There will be more features than ever before for our students to thrive."
Hayleigh Cass
Student, Class of 2026

North Ridgeville City Schools' Ranger Rally

A Grateful School District

“This event is a culmination of strong community support, unbelievable leadership from the school district and the school board, and a lot of hard work from ThenDesign Architecture,” said Bill Schurman, PE, owner of Hammond Construction, while expressing his excitement for the project. “We want to thank you all for trusting us to build your new high school. We want to turn over a high school that you will be proud of for many generations.”

Board of Education President Frank Vacha expressed his heartfelt gratitude, “A lot of hard work got us here today. Hard work from my fellow board members, the administrative team, Citizens for Better Schools, and so many people in our community. Thank you.”

The North Ridgeville City Schools’ Ranger Rally offered a unique experience filled with fun activities for students, their families, and the community to celebrate the start of the 2025-2026 school year. This memorable back-to-school event, including the groundbreaking ceremony, expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the local community.

"This project is the embodiment of our mission to provide every student with the opportunities, tools, and environment they need to reach their fullest potential."
Roxann Ramsey-Caserio
Superintendent

North Ridgeville's New High School Groundbreaking
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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A New Home for Chardon Local Schools District Operations

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A New Home for Chardon Local Schools District Operations
The new Chardon Local Schools operations facility is currently under construction. Designed to enhance operational comfort and efficiency, the Business Affairs and Transportation Facility will support district staff to better serve students and the community. District mechanics will maintain the $3.6 million vehicle fleet in the new facility, and it could ultimately alleviate traffic challenges at Chardon High School.

A New Home for Chardon Local Schools District Operations

In late 2023, Chardon Local Schools embarked on the design of a new two-building Business Affairs and Transportation Facility, located a few blocks from the high school, to enhance operational efficiency and support student success. This state-of-the-art facility includes professional maintenance bays for buses, workshop spaces for fabrication, a staff meeting area, and offices for various departments.

The two buildings under construction will feature modern equipment and address the many challenges faced by the transportation and maintenance departments, which currently operate in cramped, aging spaces. District mechanics will be able to maintain the $3.6 million vehicle fleet in the new facility that will include reinforced parking spaces, a dedicated driver training lot, and secure fuel access.

The larger operations building houses business offices, a professional development room, a repair workshop, and a storage area. The smaller transportation center is specialized for vehicle maintenance with expansive service bays and a bus lift. The new Chardon Local Schools operations facility will improve the work environment for staff, protect the critical taxpayer investment, and enhance student safety.

The project will ensure that students and community members continue to receive the best possible transportation service provided by skilled, dedicated staff members. The new Business Affairs and Transportation Facility will improve efficiency in a more pleasing environment that will directly support the learning experience and safety of every student in the Chardon Local School District.

Chardon Local Schools' New Facilities Are Under Construction
Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.
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Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High School

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Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High School
Enhancing safety and accessibility at Chardon High School, Chardon Local Schools has a newly renovated ADA-compliant entrance. A dedicated front office makes for efficient visitor check-in. The project reflects the school's commitment to supporting a safe, secure, and accessible learning environment, significantly improving the daily experience for students.

Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High School

Chardon Local Schools developed a new entrance for their high school to enhance safe access for all students, staff, and visitors. The new vestibule entrance at Chardon High School creates a streamlined experience and addresses the previous challenges from the original 1950s building.

The high school’s previous entry presented several logistical and safety hurdles. The main office, which wasn’t connected to the school’s entrance, required visitors to navigate a flight of stairs inside the building before checking in. This arrangement was not ideal for maintaining a secure entry point. Additionally, these stairs were not ADA-compliant and posed as a barrier for individuals with mobility challenges.

The renovated entrance was designed to enhance security and provide improved access.

A key feature of the renovated entrance is the addition of a dedicated office at the front of the building. This space enables staff members to check in visitors immediately before they enter the main school building. The office also serves as a convenient drop-off point for students during the school day, enabling staff to effectively monitor activities both inside and outside the building. It also reclaims existing square footage within the building, incorporating a ramp for ADA access that was previously unavailable. By keeping all these spaces within the existing school footprint, it helped manage construction costs.

The entrance now features new door hardware and access control systems, making the entryway more secure and user-friendly for both students and guests.

The redesigned entrance to the high school directly reflects the Chardon School’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe, secure, and accessible learning environment for its students. The project not only addresses immediate restrictions of the current entrance but also significantly improves the day-to-day experience for students by ensuring easier and more equitable access to their school.

Enhancing Safety and Accessibility at Chardon High School
Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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Ryan Caswell

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Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.
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Design Reveal: New North Ridgeville High School

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Design Reveal: New North Ridgeville High School
After hundreds of hours of collaborative effort between the district administration, staff, students, community members and design and construction professionals, the designs for the new North Ridgeville High School are shaping up. For an inside look at the new space, we're thrilled to share this design reveal of the new North Ridgeville High School.

Design Reveal: New North Ridgeville High School

The vision for North Ridgeville’s new high school is taking shape thanks to hundreds of hours of dedicated design work since early 2024. This collaborative effort incorporated feedback from district administration, staff, students, community members, and design and construction professionals. This ensures the new facility will serve the community for years.

"Our community is so strong. I am very proud to be a Ranger, and to be able to go to that school."
Sophia
Incoming 10th Grade Student

During design, architects utilized 3D modeling software to visualize the interior spaces and materials. This meticulous process ensures every detail, from classrooms to common areas, is thoughtfully considered for the student’s experience.

Spanning 340,000 SF, the new high school is more than double the size of the current building, marking a significant leap forward for the district’s educational future. It features state-of-the-art academic spaces, a competition gymnasium, an auxiliary gym with an elevated walking track, a performing arts center, and a natatorium with a competition pool. This expansion allows for enhanced learning environments and a wider range of extracurricular activities, directly benefiting student engagement and well-being.

To capture the essence of this exciting project from a student’s perspective, we spoke with Cole, Sophia, Omar, and Amaya to capture their impressions. We’re thrilled to share this design reveal of the new North Ridgeville High School.

"Everyone is going to love the difference that this school is going to make."
Amaya
North Ridgeville Graduate, Class 2025

View the Slideshow to the Board of Education on July 15th below:

Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Communications

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Ryan Caswell

Ryan Caswell

Ryan is a communications specialist who is passionate about using digital media to further the goals of organizations and communities in Northeast Ohio. With a background in construction and a degree in architecture, he spent over a decade in corporate video production and brings this mindset to videography, editing, photography and content marketing. He is passionate about supporting the arts, and can be found hiking in the parks system.
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The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Opens

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The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Opens
The renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center opens after nearly ten years of planning with a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony and community tour. Intended for the youngest swimmers to seasoned athletes to active seniors, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is a cornerstone of wellness and recreation in Sandusky, Ohio, providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all.

The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Opens

With the completion of the nearly ten-year project, Sandusky City Schools celebrated the grand opening of the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and community tour. Students, staff, alumni, and guests were some of the first to experience the state-of-the-art facility that will also be available to the community in partnership with the Erie County Health Department.

Due to its proximity to Lake Erie, swimming is a significant element of the Sandusky culture, and the new facility will provide a sense of pride for local residents. Designed for competition and training, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center includes a family locker room with bathroom/changing rooms.

Central to the facility is the 6-lane, 8-foot-deep, 75-foot competition pool that is monitored and maintained by an advanced filtration and treatment system. The 141,390 gallon pool is handicap accessible through the specially designed extended entry stairs or a motorized lift. Swimmers will experience enhanced communication through the underwater sound system.

Spectators will enjoy the plentiful 7-row, 250-seat bleachers alongside the pool, giving them a clear view of the action and timing system with a digital scoreboard.

“This center is much more than just a pool. It’s a space for learning, for growth, for connection, and for safety,” said Sandusky City Schools Superintendent Daniel Rambler, “It reflects our district’s ongoing commitment to student success, community engagement, and lifelong wellness.”

"This incredible milestone has been a true testament to collaboration, with many people working toward a shared vision."
Daniel Rambler
Superintendent

More Than Just A Pool

Intended for the youngest swimmers to seasoned athletes to active seniors, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is a cornerstone of wellness and recreation in Sandusky, Ohio, providing a safe, positive, and enjoyable experience for all.

ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Arie Swirsky, RA, was the architect for the project. “This pool is more than a renovation,” he said, “It stands as a symbol of resilience, collaboration, and vision. We had unique challenges to overcome, like COVID, bedrock, and inflation. We navigated through those complexities within an existing building.”

One of the engineering challenges was explained by Senior Project Manager Rick Kusmer with Mosser Construction Group. He shared a story about using a large excavator fitted with a ramming hoe for one month straight in the deep end of the pool. The excavator hammered out rock five feet deep and eight feet across.

After a support wall was removed, the roof of the building was held up by steel stilts. Rick said, “Many nights I’d wake up at about three in the morning thinking, ‘I hope those things hold.’ We do a lot of engineering, but even contractors sit up at night worrying about that stuff.”

“The project is an achievement that reflects the heart, vision, and collaboration of our entire community,” said Interim Athletic Director Steve Camella. “This is more than just a pool. This is a place where dreams begin, where confidence grows, and where champions in the water and in life will be made.”

The renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is meant to be a resource for the community. Whether visitors take swim lessons, join in water fitness classes, or want to spend quality time with family and friends, the clean and welcoming atmosphere is intended to be a shared space that strengthens community ties.

"This facility will serve as a place of growth, connection, and creation of unforgettable moments."
Arie Swirsky, RA
Project Manager

The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Opens

A Community Comes Together

“This couldn’t have happened without all the generous donations,” said Sandusky City Schools CFO and Treasurer Yvonne Anderson, who expressed her gratitude and hope for the future. “I’m sure our community and students will cherish this wonderful aquatic center for many years to come.”

The renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center was made possible because of the kindness of over 500 organizations and individual donors, with the support of the Sandusky Education Foundation. The foundation had a significant impact on the project’s development.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Past-President James Hart explained how the organization began, “A little over eight years ago, a group of Blue Streak alums and supporters met on numerous occasions to talk about the condition of the SHS swimming pool that was built in the 1950s. A group fondly called the Pool Committee was formed.”

The Pool Committee became the Sandusky Education Foundation, and their efforts made the vision of a cutting-edge athletic facility become a reality. Open to the community and other school districts, the renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center is the gold standard for fostering athletic excellence by providing a dedicated space for student athletes to train, grow, and compete.

“This renovation ensures that swimmers of all skill levels can enjoy a safe, inclusive, and high-quality experience,” Arie said. “Whether learning to swim, training for competition, or simply enjoying time in the water, this facility will serve as a place of growth, connection, and forging unforgettable moments.”

Placing a high value on health and wellness for people of all abilities and ages, the center promotes swim lessons and water safety to ensure students and community members have access to life-saving learning opportunities.

With a successful open house ribbon cutting ceremony and tour, the newly renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center and competition pool will serve Sandusky City Schools, the Erie County Health Department, and surrounding communities for decades to come.

"This is your space. Treat it with pride. The lessons you learn here will follow you far beyond these walls."
Steve Camella
Interim Athletic Director

The Renovated Sandusky Aquatic Center Ribbon Cutting and Tour
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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New Brunswick High School Groundbreaking Ceremony

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New Brunswick High School Groundbreaking Ceremony
The new Brunswick High School Groundbreaking ceremony enjoyed a robust turnout from the community despite the wet weather.

New Brunswick High School Groundbreaking Ceremony

Despite the wet and chilly weather, the Brunswick community turned out to celebrate the groundbreaking ceremony for Brunswick High School’s new construction project on May 3, 2025. Under the welcoming cover of tents and beside the prepared site, the Brunswick City School District hosted a lively event with musical performances by the middle and high school choir and the high school marching band to mark the significant milestone in the project’s progress.

With construction work set to begin within a few days afterward, brief speeches were given by Superintendent Jason Neidermyer, Mayor Ron Falconi, High School Principal Keith Merrill, and School Board President Mary Weinhauer. Representing Hammond Construction, Derrick Semilia informed the attendees that the project was on schedule for the students to occupy the new campus in August 2027.

The skies may have looked gloomy, but the atmosphere was optimistic and cheerful. 11th grader Emily and 8th grader Vish remarked on how consequential the new educational facility will be, enhancing the learning environment of future students.

New Brunswick High School Groundbreaking Ceremony

The Brunswick community passed a bond issue in early 2023 and also secured co-funding for $42.6 million from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC). The school district expressed profound appreciation to the people of Brunswick for their continued support in making the new high school project possible.

New Brunswick High School Groundbreaking Ceremony

The new construction project camera is now streaming on YouTube.

Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

Communications

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Marc Cebrian

Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.
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Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation

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Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation
The Lakeland Community College Veterans Center renovation brought thoughtful design, abundant natural light, and comfortable furniture to the spaces where veterans gather and relax. The center is situated near the balcony of the second floor, where a 3D United States flag graphic identifies the space while expressing appreciation for veterans' service. Including a conference area, computer lab, kitchenette, and offices, the new Veterans Center is a bright place for service members to socialize.

Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation

As part of the Master Plan project for Lakeland Community College, the expansion and renovation of the Engineering Technology Building necessitated the relocation of the school’s Veterans Center. After finding the optimal location in a more centralized area of the campus, the Veterans Center opened its doors with a ribbon cutting celebration.
 
The Lakeland Community College Veterans Center is “committed to helping active duty personnel, veterans, reservists, and dependents attain their personal and professional goals.” It also “supports the path of educational success and personal development for veterans and military-connected students.”
 
The renovation created an opportunity to tailor the design of the center to best suit the needs of Lakeland students and veterans. The move to a more central area makes the Veterans’ services more accessible and easier to find.

Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation

A New Location, A New Look

“The college didn’t want to give up any classrooms, so we looked at about five different locations,” noted ThenDesign Architecture Project Manager Brad Gellert. “There was an open area on the second floor of the dining and study facility,” Brad recalled. “When we started the project, the school was still implementing COVID-19 social distancing, and they were actually storing tables and chairs along the wall next to the balcony.”
 
The second floor of Building S was ideal for placing the new Veterans Center because it was well-lit with abundant natural light and located adjacent to the Student Service Center. “We captured the natural light from the atrium and brought it into the space,” Brad said. “The frosted glass allows light in but adds some privacy so people don’t feel like they’re in a fishbowl.”
 
ThenDesign Architecture Interior Designer Rhonda Franklin commented on the team effort of the project. “Brad and I helped them realize their vision. We presented ideas for how open or closed the space would feel by showing them different samples of frosted glass. It was absolutely a group process.”
 
To balance brightness with privacy, the computer lab has opaque glass walls, but the top sections are clear.

"It was a good location, but we had the potential to make it even better."
Brad Gellert
Project Manager

Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation

Working Together to Benefit the Veterans

“They had some very grand ideas in mind when we started collaborating on designing the space,” said Rhonda. “They wanted to do a lot of different things in one place, which was a challenge. But, we all shared the same goal: to make the center look very professional and show respect for the veterans.”
 
Meeting with college and veteran center administrators, the design team worked together on creating a computer lab for quiet study, a conference table meeting area, a kitchenette, a space to watch TV or play video games, and two offices. Adjacent to the Veterans Center is a multi-use student affairs meeting room that is available to the broader student population and large enough to host banquets or student conferences.
 
“They wanted a place for students and veterans to relax,” Rhonda mentioned. “They didn’t want it to feel super academic. It’s a beautiful space, and I think we gave them more than they expected.”
 
The sprawling United States flag graphic is the signature iconography of the exterior. It acts as a wayfinding element that is easily visible from the dining area on the lower level. Brad explained, “The flag was meant to be cheery and patriotic as a ‘Thank you for your service’ welcome to visitors.” He added, “It salutes the veterans and gives them a notable presence in the building.”
 
Rhonda described how the theme of red, white, and blue was carried inside the center. “The paint color, carpeting, furniture choices, and finishes reflect the flag idea. The vibrant colors and comfortable furniture keep everything feeling light. They really liked how it turned out.”

"The college made some really good decisions about keeping the space functional but also quite beautiful."
Rhonda Franklin
Interior Designer

Design Details of the Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Renovation

Designing an Inviting, Relaxing Space

Due to the high ceiling, sound baffles extend over the conference table, and tiles inside the computer lab made the spaces feel more intimate by reducing echo to increase vocal privacy.
 
Curved blue acoustically absorbent sound baffles reminiscent of a flag waving in the breeze were installed above the conference table to help define the area. “This is one of my favorite finishes here,” Rhonda remarked. “There are light fixtures between the sheets, but the acoustic material is made of recycled soda bottles. So, that’s pretty awesome.”
 
Other environmental considerations for the renovation included using high-quality products from reputable commercial companies, including low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sustainable fabrics, and zero-VOC paints. The flooring had no off-gassing, and the carpet is recyclable.
 
Brad noted that the Veterans Center utilized the existing environmental footprint, “We took advantage of the embodied carbon that was already expended when it was constructed. We didn’t increase the building’s heating or air conditioning load.”

Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

The Lakeland Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting

Brad commented on the partnership with Marous Brothers Construction during the project, “You could tell it was a labor of love on their part. They wanted to do an excellent job and had a wonderful project manager. We were very pleased with their performance and collaborating with them.”
 
The Lakeland Community College Veterans Center held a well-attended ribbon cutting ceremony on November 7, 2023, for veterans and their families, students, local government officials, and guest speakers. Veterans Center Manager S. Rhonda Osagie-Erese, MSSA, LSW, was presented with a Certificate of Congressional Recognition and Achievement honoring Lakeland Community College.
 
Rhonda Franklin reflected on the project’s outcome, “I think they couldn’t have known just how lovely it would turn out. I’m proud of how it all came together.”
 
“It’s a great addition to the college and respectfully honors the veterans,” Brad Gellert added. “We hope they enjoy it for years to come.”

"This project helped strengthen our relationship with the school district."
Brad Gellert
Project Manager

Lakeland Community College Veterans Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Marc Cebrian

Marc Cebrian

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Marc has over thirty years of media production experience with a wide variety of storytelling projects that include commercials, documentaries, and live events. He began his career in the feature film and television industry in Los Angeles, California. Naturally driven by a passion for the creative and analytical, he believes that people should be kind to one another, and strives to live by example.

Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Renovation

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Thiel College's Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Renovation
Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center completed a vital phase in its long-term plan to modernize the most populated academic building on the campus. The renovation transformed spaces, including the main entrance, lobby, and lower level, made possible by the generosity of donors, including the Spence and Longiotti families. This project is a testament to the power of alumni investment and will have a lasting impact on campus life.

Thiel College's Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Renovation

The renovation of the Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center at Thiel College marks a completed phase of a long-term plan to modernize the college’s most prominent and heavily used academic building. Completed in early 2025, this 14,000 SF renovation reimagines the building’s main entrance, lobby, and lower level—transforming a dimly lit and uninviting space into a bright, welcoming environment for students, faculty, and visitors.

The reimagined lobby hosts many of the college’s courses and serves as the central hub for academic life on campus. The entry and lobby, now known as Longiotti Commons, provide one large, multifunctional space that supports student life, campus tours, orientation events, lectures, and community engagement.

Thiel College's Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Renovation

Thiel College’s Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center renovation project is especially meaningful to the college and school community, as it was made possible largely through the generosity of alumni donors, including the Spence and Longiotti families. It represents a significant investment not only in the physical campus but also in Thiel’s academic and community programming.

The renovation also included the creation of new suites on the lower level, supporting the college’s growing nursing program and offering new opportunities for outreach through clinics, simulation labs, and volunteer-based training with community members.

Thiel College's Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Wayfinding Details

Challenges with the Existing Building

Navigating the building was challenging for many students and guests, particularly in the lower level, with few wayfinding or exterior views for orientation.

Wayfinding was a top priority for the design team, who used color, flooring patterns, and wall graphics to help users intuitively understand their location. The color palette was established during an earlier project update and carried throughout the new project to create cohesion and visual clarity between buildings. These elements improved orientation and contributed to a stronger sense of place.

Designing within the constraints of the existing brutalist structure posed unique challenges. The ceiling height was cramped, so the design team focused on brightening the space with painted ceilings, modern lighting, and reflective surfaces. The original untreated concrete and fluorescent lighting were replaced with varied lighting strategies, including uplighting and downlighting, enhancing the environment to make the space feel open and inviting.

The renovation also extended outdoors with a new vestibule entry that reduces air loss, improved landscaping, and the addition of barn stone seating and outdoor furniture to encourage gathering and movement between indoor and outdoor spaces. Sustainable and energy-efficient features were woven throughout the project, including LED lighting, a new energy-efficient air handler, recycled materials, and landscape improvements designed to enhance both aesthetics and performance.

Thiel College's Daniel and Dorothy Spence Academic Center Lower Level

Construction of the Spence Center

The center remained fully operational during construction, underscoring the project’s thoughtful phasing and logistical planning. Despite budget constraints, this first phase marks an outstanding transformation, earning positive feedback from students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community. The success has already strengthened donor engagement and spurred momentum toward the next phase, including further upgrades to classrooms, offices, common spaces, and the courtyard.

Funded in part by generous contributions from the Spence Family and Longiotti Family, this renovation project is a testament to the power of alumni investment and its lasting impact on campus life and community collaboration.

The impact of the project has been significant. Students and faculty now enjoy a functional, comfortable, and inspiring environment that reflects the college’s mission and vision for the future. The rebranded space features portraits and stories of alumni, reinforcing the connection between past, present, and future students. Feedback from stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive, and the transformation has become a visible symbol of donor impact, strengthening future fundraising efforts.

Kelly Legan

Kelly Legan

Communications

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Kelly Legan

Kelly Legan

Kelly has been an unwavering part of the TDA team for over 20 years. She embarked on her professional journey as a member of the Interior Design team and later transitioned to Communications, driven by her newfound passion for graphics and writing. This diverse experience has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the design process. Kelly's personal and professional interest in wellness is a driving force in her life.
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