LOWELL – UMass Lowell has dedicated Perry Hall Plaza, a new greenspace that is the latest step in the university’s work to further enhance the the beauty and sustainability of the campus.
The plaza is named for alumnus Barry Perry and his wife, Janice, who have been generous supporters of UMass Lowell and its students through establishing scholarships and helping to fund the renovation of the university’s main engineering building. That building, which dates back to the 1950s, was named for Barry Perry in 2012.
Last spring after $50 million in renovations, Perry Hall reopened as a state-of-the-art home for biomedical, chemical and environmental engineering, and clean energy education, research and industry collaboration. But while Perry Hall boasts a new, modern exterior, its surroundings consisted of a former parking lot that was demolished during the renovation project. Rather than replacing it with pavement, UMass Lowell created Perry Hall Plaza, which was dedicated Oct. 17.
“This new greenspace is just one example of the work that we have done to modernize and beautify the university to provide our students with the best possible places to study, engage in research and participate in campus life,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney. “The transformation of this plaza and Perry Hall would not have been possible without the generosity of Barry and Janice Perry, who have also been strong supporters of student scholarships.”