Students Returning To Penn State Abington Will Notice Renovations And Upgrades

ABINGTON, PA — Penn State Abington students returning to the suburban campus will notice a few changes this fall semester, as the school underwent some recent upgrades coinciding with the full return to in-person instruction after a year-and-a-half made difficult by the global coronavirus pandemic.

The college announced the renovations this week, saying they are a welcome addition as the school community begins to return to some sense of normalcy during the ongoing pandemic.

“Fall semester marks the start of a new academic year and carries a sense of renewal as students return and classes resume after the summer break,” a message on the school’s website reads. “Fall 2021 is no exception, yet it carries far greater significance following several semesters of pandemic-induced shifts to virtual and hybrid learning.”

Upon their return this year, students will notice “refreshed spaces indoors and out,” the website states.

Renovations include upgrades to the Lares Café and Banquet Room; new flooring, lighting, paint, furniture and technology in certain classrooms in Sutherland Hall; and a rewiring of network cable to improve Internet connectivity and speed.

The Lares Patio outside has also been renovated with new paver stones giving the space a fresher upper.

“The pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to our Abington community, but I’ve been so encouraged by our students’ perseverance and resolve. I am excited to see everyone back on our beautiful campus as we start the fall semester and continue to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of all,” Penn State Abington Chancellor Margo DelliCarpini said in a statement.

DelliCarpini, who began her role as chancellor in January 2021, said she looks forward to starting her first semester of full-time, in-person, unlike the previous semester, which was marked by a mixture of virtual and hybrid learning due to COVID-19.