Robert Morris University professors and staff were introduced to the new School of Business building on Wednesday, Sept. 7, in the Randolph Family Gardens. Since its humble beginnings as the Robert Morris School of Accountancy in 1921, the school has transformed into a comprehensive liberal arts school with a professional focus.

The new building houses a singular department, which is the first of its kind in RMU’s 90 year history.

Provost David L. Jamison added, “It’s important to understand that while business education is the primary focus of the building, all of our students will benefit from having this facility.”

It is also the first building or renovation to be constructed solely by donor sponsored funds.

“Which,” President Dell’Omo said, “is a great success for us.”

The building is neatly situated on the western side of the Rudolph Family Gardens, enclosing the four building complex.

David Budziszewski, academic advisor for the School of Business said, “Without a doubt, proximity is going to increase the sense of community among our students and staff.”

The majority of business school staff and professors offices are in Massey Hall located next to the new school.

“With 50 percent of business classes now housed in the new building, students will find easy access to their advisors, closing the communication gap that much more,” stated Budziszewski.

Housed in the school are the PNC Center, workstations, full color ticker and 12 Bloomberg capable machines. It boasts the latest technology, providing students with the Cisco tele-presence video conferencing system and the Allegheny technology center. This center also has an interactive touch screen wall, fully loaded with financial and marketing information.

Dean of the School of Business Derya Jacobs declared, “Our vision was to build a high-tech business environment to better prepare our students not only business students, but all students at RMU for global corporate work.”

This real life experience environment is a theme among students along with their mentors.

“I am pleased the technological advancements bring to life what [students] read in books,” added Budziszewski.

Senior financial and accountings major Shannon Maddox acknowledged how the new technology propels her classmates into the future.

“When you come to class and you see [the new technology] everyday, you’re forced to think about the market going up and down and how it will affect our ability to invest for future clients,” she said.

This new building isn’t just impacting students and teachers in the School of Business, however.

Freshman software engineering major Garret Stauber said, “RMU is a commuter campus, and if we can continue to expand the campus, we can change that reputation.”

How important is reputation in attracting prospective students?

RMU now ranks as the only business school in Western Pennsylvania to offer such advanced technology.

Does this technology change the students experience as well as the university’s reputation?

“For now,” President Dell’Omo stated, “it requires a balance between both reputation and technology. The more we are able to provide cutting edge technology without raising tuition costs, we will evolve that reputation for future students.”

Learn more about the new School of Business building in the cover story of the fall issue of RMU’s Foundations magazine, which arrives in mailboxes at the end of September.