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Date: 12/5/2023
SPRINGFIELD — Following the July 27 fire at American International College, the University of Massachusetts Amherst has agreed to share classroom and lab space with AIC, ensuring that AIC’s nursing students can continue their education without interruption.
The July fire, caused by a lightning strike, inflicted extensive damage to Courniotes Hall on the AIC campus, a critical facility for the college’s health sciences program. The unforeseen event left the college urgently needing educational space for its displaced nursing students.
UMass Amherst Chancellor Javier Reyes stressed the importance of this collaboration. “As an institution deeply committed to Western Massachusetts and Springfield, we recognized the urgency of helping AIC nursing students continue their studies,” Reyes said.
He emphasized that the partnership is crucial for AIC and addressing the regional nursing shortage.
AIC President Hubert Benitez was grateful for the community support, especially UMass Amherst’s providing critical educational space.
“Rebuilding our simulation labs before the semester’s start was an impossible task,” said Benitez. “This partnership enabled the college to move forward quickly while allowing our nursing students to continue their studies uninterrupted.”
Under the agreement, instruction space at the UMass Amherst Center at Tower Square in downtown Springfield will be shared through May 2024. The arrangement has already facilitated continuing education for over 50 AIC nursing students this fall.
The response to the fire involved extensive planning and coordination by AIC’s administrative team. Their primary objective was to minimize academic disruption by relocating affected classes, labs and offices.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno surveyed the fire damage in July and praised the Fire and Police departments for their efforts. He highlighted the severe damage to the building and suggested utilizing the soon-to-be-vacant Homer Street School for additional relocation needs.
Sarno’s proposal was part of a broader call for community support, echoed by Gov. Maura Healey and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Springfield).
Reflecting on the resilience of Springfield, Mayor Sarno recalled the city’s recovery from the 2011 tornado and other challenges. He assured that the community would overcome adversity and rebuild stronger.
The collective efforts of UMass Amherst, AIC, and the Springfield community reflect a commitment to education and public service.
AIC’s swift response to the crisis, including the immediate recommendation of classroom and office space on its campus, showcased its resilience and adaptability. The college’s administration, led by Benitez, has worked tirelessly to ensure that students’ educational journeys remain on track despite the setbacks.
Meanwhile, UMass Amherst’s willingness to share resources exemplifies a deep sense of community responsibility.
As AIC rebuilds and recovers from the fire, the support from UMass Amherst and the broader community ensures that its students, particularly those in the vital nursing field, continue their education uninterrupted.