Cecil College celebrated a significant milestone on December 4, 2023, with the inauguration of its new Facilities Building and the opening of Mary Maloney Boulevard. These developments are intended to enhance access, sustainability, and the college’s commitment to student success. The ceremony attracted numerous community members, faculty, staff, and foundation leaders to the northern edge of the campus on a chilly December morning.
The newly constructed Facilities Building spans 16,000 square feet and is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification. College officials view this structure as a vital investment in infrastructure that will support daily operations and reinforce Cecil College’s role as a regional economic and educational anchor. “This is another important milestone for Cecil College,” stated Raymond W. Hamm Jr., Chair of the Board of Trustees, highlighting the essential collaboration between state and county governments for the success of community colleges.
Mary Maloney Boulevard: A Tribute to Leadership
Mary Maloney Boulevard serves as a new entrance road, strategically located just south of Gilpin’s Falls Covered Bridge along Route 272. This roadway provides secondary access to upper parking lots and athletic fields on the eastern side of the campus, featuring a lighted pedestrian walkway that connects the new facilities to the main campus. The boulevard is named in honor of Mary Maloney, a pioneering figure in Maryland public service who made history in 1970 as the first woman elected as a county commissioner in the state.
Maloney’s contributions to Cecil College are noteworthy; she was appointed by former Governor Harry R. Hughes as a trustee of then-Cecil Community College and later became the institution’s first Trustee Emerita. Her legacy continues to influence the college’s growth and governance.
Cecil County Executive Adam Streight expressed that the project reflects years of planning and investment, emphasizing that it will provide safer, more efficient access for students and staff. He noted that such infrastructure investments are crucial for supporting educational institutions and fostering long-term regional growth.
A Vision for the Future of Education
During the ceremony, Dr. Mary Way Bolt, President of Cecil College, took the opportunity to reflect on Maloney’s leadership and values. She described Maloney as a figure who understood the distinction between authority and enduring leadership, viewing public service as an opportunity to elevate others. “Her influence is visible throughout the campus today,” Bolt remarked.
The Facilities Building is adjacent to the Cecil College Foundation’s Cedar House offices. It features high-bay open-ceiling workspaces, storage bays, and an administrative core designed to support campus operations efficiently. The college aims to serve a diverse student body, which includes approximately 2,200 credit students and 2,700 continuing education students, offering more than 75 degree and certificate programs to meet regional workforce and educational needs.
As the ribbon fell and the new entrance officially opened, college leaders framed the occasion as more than a construction milestone. They described it as a visible symbol of Cecil College’s evolving campus and its unwavering commitment to preparing students for success well beyond graduation.
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