A week of grand opening events for the new Maryville College Downtown Center will begin on Monday, September 23, 2024, and continue throughout the following weekend, all designed to showcase the newest building for Maryville College … and the first off-campus facility in its history.
When the 2024-25 academic year began last month, students taking HRI courses, as well as those offered for the fermentation sciences minor guided by chemistry professor Nathan Duncan Ph.D., were welcomed into a facility set up for both classroom learning and public events.
“The students’ reaction on the first day was incredible — they were absolutely thrilled and in awe of the Downtown Center,” said Angela Sebby Ph.D. “Our guest speaker was just as impressed, which really added to the energy in the room. This space feels like a dream come true for any hospitality program; it’s a total game-changer. I love seeing how it’s already drawing students in and giving them hands-on experiences that go beyond a typical classroom.”
While continuing education classes for the larger community have yet to be scheduled, the opportunity for the public to utilize the Downtown Center space has been part of the planning process from the beginning. At the same time, workers with Joseph Construction went to great lengths to preserve the historic nature of the building, given MC’s own reverence for history and tradition.
Established in 1819 as the Southern and Western Theological Seminary, Maryville College was located in downtown Maryville until Anderson Hall was opened on the site of its current location in 1870. As the College continued to grow and expand, its association with the city of Maryville has always been a close one, albeit less so until Bryan Coker Ph.D. was installed as the 12th president in 2020. As the Downtown Center continues its opening week activities, the fulfillment of Coker’s vision is one welcomed by community leaders.
“The city of Maryville congratulates Maryville College and celebrates the opening of the new Downtown Center,” said Maryville City Manager Greg McClain. “This investment into our downtown reinforces and strengthens our centuries-long ‘Town and Gown’ relationship. We are committed to encourage and support Maryville College’s mission to educate young Maryville citizens as well as young students from around the world.”
Grand opening week activities at the Downtown Center will include:
Monday, September 23
A “Thank You” intimate donor dinner will be held at 6 p.m. to acknowledge the efforts of donors, Center partners and potential partners, local officials, downtown business owners and others whose support helped made the Downtown Center a reality. An invitation-only event, it will feature a formal dinner created in-house by Chef Jack Townsend of downtown’s Diamondjack Wine Bar.
Tuesday, September 24
Members of the public are invited to attend the Blount Chamber Ribbon-Cutting and Open House starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Center, where light refreshments will be served and tours of the facility will showcase the commercial teaching kitchen, fermentation lab and classroom and event space. Public parking is accessible via Founder’s Lot (a short walk down East Church Avenue) or on the lower level of the Church Street Parking Garage at 101 W. Church Ave.
Wednesday, September 25
An open house for the Maryville College community will give MC students, faculty and staff an opportunity to explore the space from 3-5 p.m., when light refreshments will be served.
Thursday, September 26
The Maryville College Student Government Association will hold its regular Thursday meeting at the Downtown Center, and members encourage other student organizations to join them and learn about ways the Center can be utilized for student-organized activities. An event for high school vocational counselors and community college/continuing education students who may be interested in the HRI program will take place in the afternoon.
In addition, weekend events will coincide with the College’s upcoming Family Weekend activities, including a continental breakfast on Saturday, September 28.
“Having the opportunity to host multiple events over the course of the opening week demonstrates how the building may be utilized by the College and various external groups,” said Suzy Booker, vice president of Advancement at Maryville College.
“The Downtown Center really boosts awareness of Maryville College and what we’re all about,” Sebby said. “It shows our commitment to forward-thinking education and how much we care about our students, the local community and our partners. It clearly demonstrates that we care about making a positive impact in the area.”
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