The Gordon Ford College of Business celebrated the final metal beam being put in place of the new business college building, on Thursday, April 18. 

The beam was the last of the 60 tons of steel placed so far in the construction, according to WKU. Once completed, the 113,000-square-foot facility will house 21 classrooms, adaptable teaching and learning spaces and a food/coffee shop. 

Sam Kurtz, the newly reelected student body president, is a junior business major within the Gordon Ford College of Business and hopes the new building will provide a great space for students in the future.

“I think this will be the nicest business building in Kentucky and maybe even some of the surrounding states,” Kurtz said, “I’ve seen some of the blueprints for it, and it’s incredible.”

Not only were students and faculty present, but community members also made their way to the event. John Ridley brought his grandson, Reid, to share in the “history.”

“I brought him here so that every time he passes the building, he’ll remember this day,” Ridley said.  

The final structural beam going into place marks steady progress on the project which garnered $74.4 million in funding from the Kentucky General Assembly.

Staff Photographer Eli Randolph can be reached at [email protected]