Cecil College cut ribbon for new building and Mary Maloney Blvd.

NORTH EAST, Md: With the snip of a ribbon and the opening of its new Facilities Building and Mary Maloney Boulevard, Cecil College marked a major milestone in its commitment to student success on Monday, Dec. 15. The new gateway to campus and the building signal a forward-looking approach to education, one that recognizes how a modernized campus can inspire strengthen community and better prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

Dozens of community members, faculty and staff, and Foundation members joined Cecil College’s leadership on a cold, blustery day to unveil the modern facilities structure, designed to receive an environmental LEEDS certification.

“The temperatures may be exceedingly cold today, but our hearts are warm and delighted by the celebration of another important milestone for Cecil College. Those familiar with the Community College system understand institutions could only thrive where state and county governments work together to support their local community college,” said Cecil College Board of Trustees Chair Raymond W. Hamm, Jr.

The new entranceway, strategically located north of the main campus, just south of the Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge, on Route 272, will significantly enhance accessibility. It will provide a secondary route to the upper parking lots and the athletic fields on the eastern side of campus. The Mary Maloney Boulevard will feature a lighted walkway adjacent to the new road, connecting the new building to the existing campus.

The boulevard is a tribute to Mary Maloney, a true pioneer for women in Maryland. In 1970, she shattered the glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to serve as a county commissioner in the state. Her fearless determination and ability to make a difference were undeniable. Recognizing her potential, former Gov. Harry R. Hughes invited her to serve as a trustee of then-Cecil Community College. Twenty-four years later, she was approved as the College's first Trustee Emerita, leaving a legacy of empowerment and progress.

“This project reflects years of planning, partnership, and investment to provide the new secondary entrance to the Cecil College campus and will be known as the Mary Maloney Blvd. It will greatly improve traffic flow and provide safer and more efficient access for students and staff,” said Cecil County Executive Adam Streight, who proudly talked about his daughter currently attending Cecil College. “This is exactly the kind of investment we need that supports and strengthens our educational infrastructure and long-term growth.”

Cecil College President Dr. May Way Bolt talked about the five principles that Mrs. Maloney lived by that propelled her to prominence. Mrs. Maloney always acted in a way that was true to herself, ensuring people were clear about who she was, what she stood for, and what she wanted to accomplish.

Secondly, Mrs. Maloney did not confuse power with leadership, as power is short-lived and soon forgotten. Leadership such as hers was lifelong and inspired devotion. She also viewed the unknown as just another opportunity to help others, and throughout her life was willing to give back, stating “no one gets where they are without help and someone else’s support.” Finally, she had a passion for living and loving everyone around her, and “never met a stranger” along the way in her life.

“I cannot think of a better way to start a day than by celebrating this new Facilities Building and the ribbon cutting for the Mary Maloney Blvd. entrance to Cecil College,” said Dr. Bolt. “Mary Maloney impacted so many of us in so many ways. As a member of the Cecil College Foundation and as a board of trustee member, many of the things you see at Cecil College were influenced by her presence. She had her pulse on what was happening in the region.”

The Facilities Building is a 16,000-square-foot structure designed to achieve LEED Silver Certification for sustainability. It is located at the northern end of the College’s property, adjacent to the Cecil College Foundation’s offices in the Cedar House. The architectural design combines high-bay open-ceiling shops and storage bays with an administrative core.

Cecil College continues to catalyze the region’s economic growth and enhance the quality of life. Building on this impact, the College has a diverse student population, with approximately 2,200 credit students and 2,700 continuing education students. To meet community needs, the College offers more than 75 degree and certificate programs.

www.cecil.edu