NASHUA River University’s 35,000-square-foot Science and Innovation Center is one step closer to completion, as officials celebrated Thursday morning with a “topping off” ceremony for placement of the final steel beam.

The center is part of the university’s strategic plan, Vision 2020. Other Vision 2020 projects include a new Athletics Pavilion and updates to the Raider Diamond. The center is being constructed by Hutter Construction of New Ipswich and designed by Pennsylvania-based architect firm, Derck & Edson.

The building, located at the corner of South Main and Clement streets, is scheduled to open for the fall 2020 semester. An official groundbreaking ceremony took place in April.

School officials, students, staff and other members of the community had the opportunity to sign the final steel beam Thursday before it was lifted into place.

Also attached to the beam as it moved upward were an American flag and a small tree.

“It’s a wonderful day for the Rivier community as we see the topping off of the steel for our new Science and Innovation Center,” university President Sister Paula Marie Buley said Thursday.

She said this was a chance not only to recognize the science faculty members, but also the construction employees and the contractors who have worked with “great speed” as they move forward.

Vision 2020 reflects the university’s Latin motto, Altiora et Meliora, meaning “higher and better.”

Officials believe the center will help create a unique education experience for biology, biotechnology, nursing, and public health major students, along with others who visit.

According to university officials, the new center will encompass:

• Learning spaces that foster innovation and discovery;

• Laboratories and equipment designed to solve real-world problems;

• Technology that brings the world of science into the classroom; and

• Collaborative spaces for faculty and student research.

“The Science and Innovation Center will really be a beacon for the entire community and will enable Rivier to reach out even further to educate nurses and life scientists for the Nashua and regional economy,” Buley said Thursday.

The goal of Vision 2020 is to prepare students for the 21st century workforce by providing laboratories, innovative equipment and other technology that can be used to solve problems students may face in their careers after graduation.

The center will also provide ample opportunity for student and faculty research, officials said.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.