Hewitt Hall, the College of Communication, Media and Arts building, reopened on Aug. 25, unveiling brand new state-of-the-art equipment for all students to experience.

After being under construction since 2021, the building was made accessible to students and professors at the start of the fall semester, delighting both parties.

“I am most looking forward to taking advantage of the building’s vibrant energy,” the Chair of the Communications Studies Department, Michael Rieke, said. “It’s only been a couple weeks and already I’m seeing new ideas emerge… All combined, it’s fueling the energy I’m talking about. It’s really exciting and I look forward to taking advantage of it!”

Other professors have expressed their excitement in what students are able to take advantage of in the new space.

“The collaborative core and other social spaces will offer students informal spaces to meet up and work, which I’ve already seen a lot of in just these first few weeks,” Dr. Jennifer Fogel said, another professor in the communications department.

Dr. Eileen Gilligan is excited for students to have the ability to work on the latest equipment. “I hope they get an even greater feel for being in a real newsroom for whichever media they’re working in and knowing that they’re working on the latest equipment as well,” Gilligan said.

Several professors also mentioned the open floor plan of Hewitt Hall and all the windows that are in the building. Fogel noted looking forward to all the natural light the new building has, as opposed to some of the classrooms in Lanigan Hall.

Although Hewitt Hall is finished and open to the public, there are still a few finishing touches being done behind the scenes to make the space even better for students. According to Riecke, the project’s architects are working on making the audio recording spaces quieter. “The goal is to reach a noise criteria level that meets professional standards,” Riecke said.

Walking into Hewitt can feel overwhelming at first because there is so much to look at, but there are a few key things that are must-sees, according to the professors.

“Definitely walk to the center area, to see that open space for hanging out,” Gilligan said, mapping out a tour of the building, “And look at our newsroom and studios on the first floor, the amazing art labs on the second floor and then go down to more labs on the lower level and the screening room.”

One final stop Riecke suggests is the Studio H cafe to grab a freshly baked cookie, stating, “You won’t regret it.”

The production spaces and the Art and Design studios are other places in Hewitt that Fogel recommended checking out.

“It’s pretty amazing the new capabilities we have in this newly renovated building,” she said.