‘The heart of campus life’: Conn celebrates renovated College Center at Crozier-Williams

The Connecticut College community gathered to celebrate the reopening of the renovated College Center at Crozier-Williams with a ribbon cutting and dedication on Oct. 24.

Cro—as the Conn community calls it—is the primary social hub for the campus community, and the renovation reimagines it as a modern center for student life, collaboration, late-night programming and student leadership.

“This building has always held a special place in the heart of campus life. It’s a place where ideas and friendships are formed and the spirit of Conn comes alive. And now, thanks to the vision and generosity of so many, this beloved center has been reimagined for a new generation of students—and for generations to come,” Board of Trustees Chair Seth W. Alvord ’93 told the students, faculty, staff, trustees and donors gathered for the event.  

“This is more than a renovation. It’s a recommitment—to community, to collaboration, to the values that define Connecticut College. As we cut the ribbon today, we’re not just opening doors—we’re opening new possibilities.”

Previously cavernous and cool, Cro’s interior is now warm and cozy, with natural color schemes, varied seating options and quiet alcoves. The ground floor features an entirely new Oasis eatery—complete with an outdoor patio—and a renovated Susan E. Lynch 1962 Room (formerly the 1962 Room) with enhanced technology and a flexible seating design to accommodate events of all sizes. Upstairs, the former Cro’s Nest has been replaced with a bright and airy Humphrey’s pub featuring both indoor and outdoor space for gatherings and performances.

During her remarks, Claire Carroll ’28, a computer science major and vice chair of the Student Activities Council, said her community has grown because of the transformed space.

“Cro is where students go to build their community and interact with students who bring new experiences to our world,” she said. “Cro is our place to learn, to connect and to make our Connecticut College experience our own.”

The renovation was made possible with generous support from Susan E. Lynch ’62; Devon Preston ’93 P’28; Hans and Marian Baldauf P’24; an anonymous donor; and the Class of 1969 Memorial Campus Beautification and Improvement Fund. Several of the donors were present at the event and were presented with a citation commemorating the dedication by President Andrea E. Chapdelaine.

“This building has always been a social anchor for our students, and this renovation reflects what they asked for: a campus center that brings people together across class years and programs. We are deeply grateful to the alumni and donors who helped make this possible,” Chapdelaine said.

Consigli Construction Co., Inc., the College’s construction partner on the project, supported the reconfiguration and delivery of student-facing spaces.

“This new, revitalized College Center at Crozier-Williams—now a vibrant hub for connection and collaboration featuring enhanced amenities—marks a significant milestone in Connecticut College’s commitment to enriching student life,” said Josh Sylvester, Consigli Construction Co., Inc. regional director for Connecticut. “Consigli is grateful to partner with the College on not just this new chapter for the Cro, but also on its long-term vision for campus transformation.”