Roberts Wesleyan College marked the beginning of construction on its newest building.

The Golisano Community Engagement Center will act as a hub for a number of different services for members of the student body and community members alike.

President Deana Porterfield said the focus on serving both Roberts' students and the community as a whole is a crucial part of the new endeavor.

"It’s an emotional day because I have heard since my arrival here that the college has needed a space here for students," she said, "and to see how we were able to take that and partner with the needs of the community and the business leaders and those conversations is just an amazing building to come together that’s right for Rochester and right for the City of Rochester."

With the space, the college says there will be greater opportunities for students for students to interact with one another, as well as with local business leaders and community members.

Student Association President and senior Caleigh Hitchcock says the development comes amid an especially relevant time.

"This past year has been especially difficult in trying to connect with fellow students, with professors, with our community, and that is due to the pandemic," she said. "That’s not something that any of us can control. But I think, in looking towards the future, having something that we can all really connect with and a place where the purpose is connection, that is really special and valuable and I think that will really propel us to the future."

Tuesday's groundbreaking ceremony was originally supposed to happen last year, until COVID hit. Still, Porterfield says everything still managed to work out.

"I actually think that’s okay, because now I see that this building is really about opening up to the future," she said. "So, I actually think the timing is the right timing."

The building is expected to open next summer.