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updated 04.18.08
Nexus Final Beam Makes The Rounds
While the Nexus won't be open for business until September 2009, Barnard students, faculty, staff, friends, and neighbors still have reason to celebrate as the construction reaches an important milestone. The Nexus has "topped out," meaning that the final piece of steel has been placed at the structure's highest point. An official "topping out" celebration will be held on Tuesday, April 15.
The exact origin of the first "topping out" is unknown but the practice is popular in Europe. The ceremony, which is often accompanied by speeches and toasts, celebrates the pinnacle of the structure being reached successfully without mishap and gives thanks to the workers for their hard work and the community for its support.
The festivities got started last week when students, alumnae, faculty, and President Judith Shapiro came together to sign the final beam — painted white as per the "topping out" custom. Using waterproof blue sharpies, people gathered around to gain a tiny piece of immortality in the form of their signatures, which will forever remain on the Nexus.
"This is a dream come true," said Shapiro, gesturing to the Nexus behind her. "This is proof that when you dream, it can come true. Especially when you get help from a lot of people who share your dream, she said.
Students like Sharmin Ahmed '10 were excited to sign.
"I did this for fun and for the memories. Just think — our names will all be up there for a century or more," said Ahmed, happily. Another student said: "I'm graduating this year so I won't be around to use the Nexus. But I wanted to sign and leave a piece of myself behind."
Shapiro reminded everyone that even if they won't be using the Nexus, it still belongs to them. "The students have all been wonderful," she said. "And although some will not get to use the Nexus as students, they will always be alumnae of Barnard. So they will always be a part of the school and the building."
— Maya Dollarhide
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