Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Ironworkers celebrate Little Building’s final beam

About+a+hundred+construction+workers+and+college+officials+gathered+on+the+first+floor+of+Little+Building+to+celebrate+the+placement+of+the+buildings+last+iron+beam.+Cullen+Granzen+%2F+Beacon+Staff
About a hundred construction workers and college officials gathered on the first floor of Little Building to celebrate the placement of the building’s last iron beam. Cullen Granzen / Beacon Staff

The college hosted a topping off ceremony to celebrate the placement of the Little Building’s final iron beam on Friday, Sept. 28.

About a hundred construction workers and college officials gathered on the first floor of Little Building.  The workers and attendees signed their names on the last beam and painted it white. 

A topping off ceremony represents a symbolic event dating back to the 1920s where ironworkers bolt on the last or highest beam of a building, according to CSL Consulting Clerk of the Works Raymond DiTucci. On the beam, the workers erected a small pine tree as a symbol of good luck.

“We all feel a part of it,” ironworker Kris Larochelle said at the ceremony. “Everyone is working together and it takes a team to get this done.”  

President M. Lee Pelton thanked everyone who helped move the project along in his speech.

“I often joke that my dream is to wake up and the scaffolding that has been surrounding this building for the past ten years, is no longer there,” he said. “And all of you are helping to make that happen.”

The target deadline for the Little Building is August 2019. Once completed, the building will add space for another 1,000 students to live on campus.

Christopher Van Buskirk contributed reporting to this article.

Leave a Comment
About the Contributor
Parker Purifoy, Emerson '21
Parker served as Managing Editor, News Editor, and Senior Reporter at The Beacon. They graduated from the college with a journalism degree in December 2020. Parker is currently an Associate Reporter with Bloomberg Law. Based in Washington, DC, Parker previously worked for Law360, The Associated Press, and the Boston Globe.

Comments (0)

The Berkeley Beacon intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. We welcome strong opinions and criticism that are respectful and constructive. Comments are only posted once approved by a moderator and you have verified your email. All users are expected to adhere to our comment section policy. READ THE FULL POLICY HERE: https://berkeleybeacon.com/comments/
All Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *