FORT BELVOIR, Va. (Army News Service, June 30, 2009) -- The Army Management Staff College hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the reopening of Thayer Hall June 24 -- marking a milestone in the college's history.
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.
At the reopening 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 enjoy a free lunch.
Fort Belvoir Historian Gus Person highlighted the building's history.
The building, which was originally an Engineer School library, was named after Sylvanus Thayer on April 13, 1959. Thayer had an extensive career in engineering spanning from West Point to the Army Corps of Engineers. 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 AMSC is working at both ends to make the Army Civilian Corps the best it can be and make sure garrison commanders, sergeants major and general officers know how to run the Army's installations properly for Soldiers.
"That is innovation, that is lifelong learning and that is really in the legacy of what Sylvanus Thayer was all about," Williams said.
He said it is 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, 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, the Safety Office, and Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
(Albert Baier works for the Army Management Staff College.)
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