Gary Liguori hosted his first public event on Aug. 8 as the new chancellor of Penn State Abington for a very compelling reason: to break ground for the campus’ new $68 million academic building that is slated to open for the fall 2026 semester. He was joined by the campus community, local and regional officials, supporters, and alumni to turn over the first shovelfuls of dirt at the site. 

Liguori highlighted the project’s physical features and the impact it will have on students. 

“At three stories and 85,000 square feet, it will provide modern classroom, studio and lab space, as well as collaborative work areas and offices. It will cut across disciplines and help us continue to build out our community of scholars,” Liguori, who assumed the chancellor’s post on July 1, said. 

Liguori’s immediate predecessor, Margo DelliCarpini, shepherded the academic building’s plans across the finish line during her tenure as Abington chancellor. She now serves as the vice president for Commonwealth Campuses and executive chancellor, and she was thrilled to return for the ceremony. 

DelliCarpini credited “the village” — including previous chancellors, Abington Township officials, University colleagues, neighbors and the campus community — which has been “engaged since the beginning and lent their ideas and voices to the project. We developed stronger relationships throughout the project, which have led to innovative opportunities for students and to strengthened partnerships with the community.”  

The campus community, supporters, alumni, and local and regional partners gathered to break ground on the new academic building, which is scheduled to open in fall 2026.

Jamila Winder, chair of the Montgomery County Commissioners, and fellow Commissioners Neil Makhija and Thomas DiBello announced a proclamation declaring Aug. 8, 2024, as a day to honor Abington and the benefits the new building will bring to students.   

At a post-groundbreaking reception to welcome Chancellor Liguori to the area, Sanchez spoke about how he looks forward to working with Liguori and his district’s long, fruitful relationship with the campus. 

“Between being a significant economic contributor and hosting community events, this campus is a staple to all of Abington Township, and it contributes to our area’s cultural and educational enrichment,” Sanchez said, noting that the campus will host his office’s LGBTQ+ resource fair in the fall. 

Student Government Association President Pratyush Mudgal welcomed Liguori to campus and presented him and DelliCarpini with Nittany Lion statues that a student created using a 3D printer in the Abington LaunchBox on campus and shared a little local wisdom with the new chancellor. 

Read more about the groundbreaking on Penn State Abington’s website.