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Date: 8/9/2023
SPRINGFIELD — A lightning strike triggered a significant fire July 27 at American International College, damaging two of the college’s key buildings: Courniotes Hall and the attached Lissa building.
Both buildings are central to the college’s health sciences program.
In the aftermath, AIC’s administrative team met with stakeholders to form a comprehensive plan. The primary goal is to relocate the affected classes, clinical simulation labs, and faculty and staff offices, to minimize disruption to academic operations.
“AIC is committed to taking all actions necessary to ensure that we provide students with continuity in their course of studies in the fall of 2023,” AIC President Hubert Benitez stated.
He continued, “AIC is known for its resilience, and we will come back stronger than ever thanks to the help of our community.”
Efforts are underway to stabilize Courniotes Hall and assess the extent of the damage. AIC Board of Trustees Chairman Frank Colaccino is involved in the process. The college engaged a project manager to oversee the assessment and the anticipated monthslong reconstruction.
“As we continue to navigate this challenging situation, AIC remains committed to providing the best possible learning experience for our students and fulfilling our mission to foster academic excellence and workforce development,” a statement noted.
In the coming days, the college plans to share details of a relocation plan with the campus community. The plan will include information about temporary facilities, academic schedules, and safety measures.
Chief Academic Officer Michael Dodge and AIC’s deans have identified on-campus spaces for affected faculty, staff and classes. AIC is planning a fundraising campaign to support the rebuilding efforts.
“I want to acknowledge the remarkable resilience and unity displayed by our faculty, staff and students. This collective effort from our community gives me confidence that we will overcome this adversity together,” he stated.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who inspected the fire damage with AIC officials, commended the local Fire and Police departments. “Thank you to our Springfield Fire and Police departments for their tremendous efforts in knocking this fire down and keeping the immediate area safe and secure,” said Sarno.
Sarno reported severe fire damage to the second floor and roof. The building’s equipment, amenities and supplies were most likely destroyed by the fire or damaged by water. Despite the devastation, Sarno emphasized that no injuries resulted from the incident.
Sarno also suggested using the soon-to-be-vacant Homer Street School, adjacent to the campus, for the relocation efforts. Gov. Maura Healey and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield) have also signaled assistance.
The mayor added, “Springfield is a strong and resilient community, and as we have done with the various natural and man-made disasters before, we will endure, persevere and rebuild better and stronger than before.”
Sarno offered a reminder of the community’s resiliency after the 2011 tornado that struck Springfield and surrounding communities and subsequent catastrophes.
Regular updates on the recovery process will be communicated to the AIC community as the college continues to address the situation.