ALLENTOWN, Pa. — DeSales University on Thursday officially opened a downtown "educational hub" that offers a space for commuters and students to complete classwork or attend virtual classes.
Even amid a little rain, officials were enthusiastic as they cut the ribbon on DeSales Allentown, 1,500-square-foot location at 932 Hamilton St.
- DeSales University officials opened a new "education hub" Thursday in downtown Allentown
- The new space can accommodate up to 32 people
- The private Catholic university's main campus is in Center Valley
Scores of local and state officials, university executives, students and others packed into the location to celebrate its launch.
“This has really been a dream of ours at DeSales University," said Carolyn Steigleman, DeSales’ associate vice president for communications.
"To be able to be immersed in the community in Allentown, and to be able to solidify that with 932 Hamilton can't be more exciting for all of us.”
The new location has two offices with a reception area, a lounge area with a large video wall, and a conference room.
It also will be open to residents and businesses for professional development, training, career counseling and academic advising, as well as alumni events, university officials said.
'Truly a benefit to our city'
Vicky Kistler, Allentown's community and economic development director, thanked DeSales President James Greenfield and other university officials for opening a downtown location, which she said is “truly a benefit for our city.”
“We at the city are thrilled for the increased educational access downtown residents will have through this new option,” she said.
“As Allentown moves to be a leader in innovation in the Lehigh Valley, partners like DeSales University are going to be anchors for this community."State Sen. Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton
DeSales Allentown will be part of “an exciting block,” with a new boutique hotel and other projects planned in the 900 block of Hamilton Street, state Sen. Nick Miller, D-Lehigh/Northampton, said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“As Allentown moves to be a leader in innovation in the Lehigh Valley, partners like DeSales University are going to be anchors for this community.”
State Rep. Peter Schweyer, D-Allentown, and state Revenue Secretary Pat Browne also attended the DeSales Allentown's opening.
DeSales student Nallely DeRoman Ramos, who serves as vice president for the school’s Latin club, said the new location will “bring in the community of Allentown” and make it easier to reach out to Hispanic and high school students.
She said she hopes DeSales eventually will open a full campus in Allentown, but the new space that opened Thursday “is a great start.”
The private Catholic university's main campus is in Center Valley.
