CREW CT 2025 Blue Ribbon Brochure

Western New England University Career & Welcome Center

Springfield, MA

The Kevin S. and Sandra E. Delbridge Career Center & Welcome Center at Western New England University (WNE) has been transformed into a dynamic hub integrating student engagement, career readiness, and university outreach. Located at a key campus entry point, the reimagined space serves as both the first stop for prospective students and a vital resource for current students preparing for their careers. This renovation expands WNE’s Welcome Center by incorporating a Career Center under the same roof, creating a second entrance which opens directly to the Career Center. Together, they serve as a single, highly functional destination that bookends the student journey—from their initial visit as prospective “Golden Bears” to their transition into the workforce. Tecton Architects collaborated with WNE to revitalize the existing building, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. The Welcome Center was expanded into a more inviting, comfortable space with a refreshment station and a lounge supporting group presentations. The Career Center mirrors a modern corporate workplace, offering an aspirational setting for students while providing a professional and welcoming environment for employer partners. Key features include: Flexible Spaces: Movable walls and adaptable furniture accommodate interviews, career fairs, networking events, and guest lectures. Visual Connectivity: The Career Center is positioned within view of the Welcome Center, allowing prospective students to envision their future at WNE. Shared Facilities: Strategically placed shared resources—such as bathrooms, a kitchenette, and interview rooms— maximize space efficiency and convenience. By enhancing WNE’s ability to attract prospective students and connect current students with employment opportunities, the renovated facility plays a vital role in workforce development within the region. The modernized Career Center fosters stronger partnerships between the university and local businesses, providing a bridge between education and industry that benefits students and employers alike. The project team navigated multiple challenges to bring this vision to life. A major structural hurdle involved creating a new opening in the building while minimizing disruption to critical infrastructure, such as sewer and drainage lines. Additionally, the project required careful coordination among a shifting group of university stakeholders, necessitating ongoing communication and adaptability to maintain alignment with evolving institutional priorities. The renovation enhances student wellness with a welcoming, acoustically optimized, and light-filled environment that fosters collaboration and growth. Energy-efficient LED lighting, sustainable material choices—including Red List Free, Green Label Plus Certified, and Cradle to Cradle carpet—and the intentional reuse of walls, doors, frames, hardware, and furniture minimize environmental impact. Thoughtful design ensures long-term resilience while supporting WNE’s sustainability goals. By consolidating the Welcome Center and Career Center, WNE maximizes its investment while enhancing student services.The flexible designallows the spaceto evolve, makingit a financially sustainable solutionthat supports the university’s mission as a “new traditional” institution. This transformative project reinforces WNE’s commitment to student success, providing a future-focused space that welcomes, prepares, and connects students to the opportunities ahead.

Owner — Western New England University

Project Size — 2,600 square feet

Project Team — Tecton Architects, Salas O’Brien, PES Structural Engineers, The Berkshire Design Group, Inc., Keiter Corporation

28 Blue Ribbon Awards 2025