January 15, 2013
St. John's University's 127,000-square-foot D'Angelo
Center (DAC) has won an Outstanding Design Award from American School and University
Magazine, and was
featured in the publication’s Architectural Portfolio for
2012.
The Award cited DAC’s mix of academic and student services, which
traditionally are located in separate structures. According to the
magazine, DAC’s design team combined the services of two new
buildings, creating an inviting, vibrant educational
environment.
Reflecting on its importance, Martha K.
Hirst, the University’s Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer, observed, "The state-of-the-art D’Angelo Center
has become the heart of our Queens campus, offering a space where
the scholarly and social aspects of our students’ lives come
together and friendships are fostered. Inspired by the Great Hall
at Ellis Island, the architectural beauty of the building is
matched by the warmth inside."
"The award displays St. John’s continuing commitment to providing
an outstanding campus life experience for students,” said Brij
Anand, Vice President of Campus Facilities and Services. “DAC
was a vital step in this direction — the space and the design make
it a pleasant, engaging place for students, and the entire campus
community, to gather."
He added, "The Office of Facilities is constantly striving to
improve campus life for students."
A vibrant hub of academic and social life at the University, DAC
opened in 2009. It is named for
Peter and Peg D’Angelo, loyal alumni and benefactors whose
generosity made the project possible. Peter D’Angelo ’78MBA is a
University trustee. Margaret (Peg) LaRosa D’Angelo ’70Ed chairs
The School of Education’s leadership committee.
The Center features 14 classrooms, six seminar rooms, student
recreation and entertainment space, a Starbucks Café, a
full-service cafeteria and banquet facilities, student offices, a
Board Room and a lounge with a fireplace and floor-to-ceiling
windows.