• Video - "Topping Out" the Convocation Center

CALIFORNIA (Aug. 3) – The California University of Pennsylvania community's fervor of anticipation for next fall's completion of the Convocation Center was enhanced by a “topping out” ceremony with a twist on Wednesday morning.

"Topping Out" is a custom kept by ironworkers, who traditionally hoist an American flag, an evergreen tree and a broom along with the "last beam" of a bridge, skyscraper or other significant building. The tree symbolizes growth and longevity; the broom designates a "clean sweep" for the new building.

“The Convocation Center will have multiple uses, so we're including a few items that symbolize what it will mean to our campus community and to our neighbors throughout southwestern Pennsylvania” said Cal U President Dr. Angelo Armenti, Jr., who also signed the truss. “It's a major milestone in the construction of a building that will become a landmark on our campus.”

Accompanying the flag, broom and tree were Vulcan basketball and volleyball jerseys to represent Cal U's commitment to a strong athletic program; a cap and gown to commemorate future Commencements and a shirt and tie to represent business people using the new building for executive conferences and training.

“It's an honor as much as it is exciting for our basketball and volleyball teams to be able to start playing their next year,” said Cal U Associate Athletic Director Dr. Karen Hjerpe. “Our coaches and student-athletes realize the tremendous support we receive from President Armenti and the administration."

The groundbreaking for the $54 million, 142,000 square-foot facility took place almost a year ago to the date of the topping out.

Cal U will soon have the largest indoor venue between Pittsburgh and Morgantown.

BY THE NUMBER

46 - The Convocation Center is supported by 46 trusses in all. They were made in Chemung, N.Y., near Buffalo, and trucked to the Cal U campus.

72 - The top of each truss is 72 feet off the ground, the height of a 6-story building

99 - Each half of the two-part truss is 99 feet long.

141 - The building is supported by 141 concrete caissons, each 85 feet deep and about three feet in diameter. About 11,000 cubic yards of concrete have been poured below the building.

300 - Two 300-ton cranes lifted the last piece of structural steel into place.

300-400 - Between 300 and 400 laborers and skilled trades workers have had a hand in the Convocation Center project so far.