University of Akron Opens Today in Lakewood

The University of Akron is today.

The new University of Akron Lakewood Higher Education Center  —housed in the historic Bailey Building on Detroit Avenue — will be unveiled to the community at 5 p.m. in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The public is invited to join UA, city and county dignitaries at the dedication and ribbon cutting, which will be preceded by a community open house at 4 p.m.

Expected to attend the dedication are UA President Dr. Luis M. Proenza, Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers and Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald.

Last spring, the satellite branch and since to get the 11,000-square-foot facility ready to open.

Some coursework is expected at the school this fall, but classes are set to begin at the school in January. The school is partnering with and to offer training in the university’s College of Education and Nursing.

“I am proud and excited that the University is establishing a much-needed higher education presence in the Lakewood community,” said Proenza in a prepared statement. “The grand opening of The University of Akron Lakewood Higher Education Center is the culmination of discussions that began about six years ago when the city approached us for assistance in focusing on alternatives to traditional economic development strategies for their community.”

Here are a few of the stories we've published on the subject. And you heard the news about the University of Akron's Lakewood branch here first: