Topping Off Ceremony Marks Milestone

On Thursday, January 11, 2018, St. Mark’s celebrated a major milestone in the construction of the Winn Science Center. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, Trustees, and members of the project team gathered outside to witness the Topping Off, when the final 23-foot-long steel beam was installed on what will become the planetarium dome. The curved beam was dotted with dozens of signatures from the senior class, science faculty, and other important community members who helped bring the Winn Science Center to fruition. 

 

Senior Class President Edward Ro ’18 addressed the students on behalf of his class: “The Class of 2018 and I hope that by capping off the construction of the Winn Science Center, we are leaving behind a small gift to the energetic and bright-eyed future innovators and pioneers that I see in the front row."

 

Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini then thanked the hundreds of individuals who have dedicated their time and talents to the design and construction of the Winn Science Center, from the Trustees and science faculty to the contractors and construction workers who stood ready to install the final beam. Chris Winn ’99 stepped up to apply the final signature to the beam, representing the Winn family, whose vision and generosity lead the Science Center Project.

 

Finally, David Dini told the students, “Boys, this building is for you. On the count of three, everyone say ‘Raise this beam!’” The crane engine revved and lifted the 600-pound beam to the top of the structure, 50 feet off the ground. Crews secured the beam, the last of twelve curved steel pieces making up the rotunda, and marked the completion of the Winn Science Center’s steel frame.