The former president and chief executive officer of Lambton College was visibly emotional after the Judith A. Morris Atrium and Welcome Centre was officially unveiled.
The newly rebuilt bridge entrance (on the west side of the college) opened to students in September but the grand opening and dedication ceremony took place on Thursday.
Current President and CEO Rob Kardas and past president Tony Hanlon unveiled the signage placed directly above a new reception desk.
Morris, who retired in 2021, was welcomed to the podium with a standing ovation from students, faculty, and community guests. She profusely thanked those responsible for the dedication, as well as her family members.
"I have my name on this spectacularly beautiful entrance which so tastefully represents who and what Lambton College is now, and will be long into the future," Morris said during her speech. "You have honoured me... you have honoured me beyond my wildest dreams. I am so humbled by your kindness."
Morris later said she felt overwhelmed but grateful.
"You can't believe what it means to a person to see their name on something that meant so much to [them] for so many years," she said. "It's the end of a beautiful, beautiful career."
Aside from the Judith A. Morris Atrium and Welcome Centre, the newly rebuilt space now includes a larger campus gift shop, new classroom space, an outdoor terrace, and a walkway that leads to the school's entrance that says "welcome" in 26 different languages.
"I have to say that I love how the bridge reflects who we are now as a college, not just as a community college -although that is critically, critically important, but it literally speaks to the global powerhouse that we have become," Morris said. "It says to me, and to everyone here, you are welcome."
Kardas referred to Thursday's dedication as Morris' "hall of fame moment."
"You really can't walk around this campus and not see Judy's profound vision and influence, it's all over the place," said Kardas. I think this project really speaks to the heart of Lambton College and it was really relevant and important that Judy's name was on this project."
Kardas said there are still some finishing touches to be made. The project was delayed due to impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Lots of supply chain issues and delays in getting material. The glass that showed up was defective at first and they had to send that back... so lots of pandemic issues," he said.
Kardas said the overall capital project cost was around $15 million.
During Thursday's event, students showcased some of the Lambton College merchandise available at the gift shop with a fashion show. Students also displayed the wardrobes used in different parts of the world, a preview for an upcoming cultural fashion show scheduled to take place in December.
