The University of Connecticut marked a major construction milestone as faculty, staff, construction teams, university leadership, and project architects gathered on a beautiful day in March to watch the final beam “fly” to the top of the future home of the Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing.
The topping-off marked the placement of the building’s final structural beam, signaling the completion of the framework for the future academic hub. On October 27, alumni, students, faculty and staff had the opportunity to sign the beam, leaving a permanent mark on a building that will shape the future of nursing education and research at UConn.
“DeLuca Hall, the new home of UConn Nursing, represents our commitment to preparing the next generation of nurses and advancing the future of healthcare,” said Victoria Vaughan Dickson Ph.D., RN, FAHA, FHFSA, FAAN, dean of the Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing. “It will provide our students with cutting-edge learning environments, advanced simulation spaces, and opportunities for collaboration that reflect the evolving needs of healthcare.”
The new five story, state of the art building will expand hands-on learning opportunities, support interdisciplinary research, and help address the growing demand for highly trained nurses.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to see this vision taking shape,” Dean Vaughan Dickson said. “Today’s milestone reflects the commitment of our university, our supporters, and our community to preparing the next generation of nurses and nurse leaders.”
With the final beam now in place, construction will continue throughout the coming months as the building moves toward completion in late 2026.
