New Multi-Million Dollar Student Center Coming To St. Joseph's

PATCHOGUE, NY — St. Joseph's College will be expanding for the first time in nearly two decades with a new $17 million student center. The 104-year-old institution announced this week the plans for the new center, which will be financed by the college's bond issue and the first new building constructed on campus in 18 years.

The multi-million building will be two-stories and 32,000 square-feet. The center will include a dining area, art gallery, new chapel and office for campus ministry, veterans lounge, spirit gift shop, E-sports unit, computer and lounge spaces, conference and meeting rooms and offices for faculty, staff and student clubs.

"We are extremely excited about our new Student Center project," SJC President Donald R. Boomgaarden, Ph.D said. "It will benefit our students, faculty and staff, but also the entire Long Island community. Although the current pandemic discourages us from being in the same physical space now, I know that this situation will soon pass. St. Joseph's wants to be ready for the future, and this Student Center will assist us in our goal to bring a first-class educational experience to our students, and provide a valuable resource to the greater public."

Construction is expected to begin in 2021 and should be completed within the next few years. College officials have been working closely with both Town of Brookhaven and Village of Patchogue officials during the planning process for this project, which also includes a major sewer project currently underway.

"St. Joseph’s College has played a vital role in the revitalization of the Village of Patchogue," Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri said. "The addition of the Student Center creates that sense of community needed on all campuses and adds to the vitality of the Greater Patchogue Community."