FORT BELVOIR, Va. (June 28, 2009) -- The Army Management Staff College hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for the reopening of Thayer Hall on June 24-marking a milestone in the college's history.
At the ceremony, Fort Belvoir employees gathered around Thayer Hall with the college's faculty and staff to learn about its rich history, visit with exhibitors, and a enjoy a free lunch.
Thayer Hall's renovations include eight new offices, two additional classrooms, an improved library and a state-of-the-art fitness center for AMSC's staff, faculty and students.
The ceremony kicked off with remarks by Fort Belvoir Historian Gus Person, who highlighted the building's history.
The building, which was then an engineer school library, was named after Sylvanus Thayer on April 13, 1959. Sylvanus Thayer had an extensive career in engineering spanning from West Point to Army Corps of Engineers. Sylvanus Thayer's legacy remained with the building when AMSC moved there in 1992.
Col. Garland H. Williams, AMSC commandant, said it was interesting that the building was named after Sylvanus Thayer because he was an innovator in education just like AMSC. Williams said that AMSC is working at both ends to make the Army Civilian Corps the best that it can be and make sure garrison commanders, sergeant majors and general officers know how to run the Army's installations properly for our Soldiers.
"That is innovation, that is lifelong learning and that is really in the legacy of what Sylvanus Thayer was all about," Williams added.
Williams said it's always important to recognize good work and did so by recognizing the hard working staff members and contractors who overcame many challenges to make the building what it is today. Williams also extended his gratitude to the AMSC Alumni Association for sponsoring the event.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Pamela Raymer, Ed.D, dean of academics; Steve Wilberger, deputy commandant and Steve Wade, facilities manager, joined Williams to cut the blue ribbon outside of Thayer's Hall's front door. After cheering and applauses, everyone gathered around the canopies for free hot dogs. Visitors also had the opportunity to join AMSC's faculty and staff for tours of the building and visit with Fort Belvoir exhibit representatives from Barden Education Center, Safety Office, and Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
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