Cal State San Bernardino held a “topping out” ceremony on Aug. 2,  to celebrate the installation of the last beam on the new three-story Center for Global Innovation (CGI) building, which is set to open before fall 2019.CGI will be a 71,000 square foot building and will serve as an iconic centerpiece to an evolving central core at CSUSB for enhanced student and academic life. CGI will contain a 250-seat auditorium, 24 instructional spaces, a large outdoor plaza and retail space. The building will also offer a global gallery serving as a multi-functional social gathering space and a gateway from parking Lot N to Coyote Walk.The ceremony was organized by Lisa McBride, project manager of CSUSB’s Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, in conjunction with the general contractor Sundt Construction. The ceremony kicked off with a structural beam signing and opening comments from several Sundt Construction staff members, including Brian DeMartino, project manager; Betty Lynn Senes, project executive; and Robert Stokes, vice president and regional director.Tatiana Karmanova, dean of CSUSB’s College of Extended and Global Education, acknowledged the work of all those responsible for the planning, design and construction of the new building and shared her excitement of the progress that has been made since the groundbreaking ceremony on Dec. 5, 2017. Karmanova was joined by Clare Weber, deputy provost; Douglas Freer, vice president of administration and finance; Jennifer Sorenson, associate vice president of Facilities Planning and Management; Leatha Elsdon, director of Facilities Planning, Design and Construction; and the entire management team. Representatives from the architectural firm LPA Inc., who have designed many projects on campus, were also in attendance.The “topping out” ceremony is a tradition that commemorates the achievement of the ironworkers who are the first workers to reach the top of the structure. Topping out means the end is in sight for the “raising-gang” — the people who actually set the iron in place. In the 14th century, it was customary to put a yew tree branch at the highest point of the building. In keeping with this tradition, a potted plant sat atop the beam along with a U.S. flag as it was hoisted to the top of the new CGI building.For more information about the Center for Global Innovation project, visit the Facilities Planning and Management website.

The “topping out” ceremony is a tradition that commemorates the achievement of the ironworkers who are the first workers to reach the top of the structure.

The “topping out” ceremony is a tradition that commemorates the achievement of the ironworkers who are the first workers to reach the top of the structure. Topping out means the end is in sight for the “raising-gang” — the people who actually set the iron in place. In the 14th century, it was customary to put a yew tree branch at the highest point of the building. In keeping with this tradition, a potted plant sat atop the beam along with a U.S. flag as it was hoisted to the top of the new CGI building. Photo: Corinne McCurdy/CSUSB