Conn wins ACUI Facility Design Award for excellence in student-centered facilities
Conn wins ACUI Facility Design Award for excellence in student-centered facilities
Connecticut College has been honored with the 2026 Association of College Unions International (ACUI) Facility Design Award for the transformation of its student center, the College Center at Crozier-Williams, into a modern social hub designed to meet the needs of today’s students. Conn and its design partner, KSS Architects, were honored in the category for projects costing less than $25 million.
The primary student gathering space on campus since 1957, Cro—as it is better known to Camel Nation—underwent a major renovation in 2025. Previously cavernous and cool, the interior is now warm and cozy, with natural color schemes, varied seating options and comfortable alcoves. The ground floor features an entirely new Oasis eatery—complete with an outdoor patio—and a renovated Susan E. Lynch 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.
“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 said at a ribbon cutting and dedication in October. “This is more than a renovation. It’s a recommitment—to community, to collaboration, to the values that define Connecticut College.”
The ACUI Facility Design Awards recognize excellence in the design of student-centered facilities that support campus community building and student learning. The organization praised the work of the College and KSS Architects in designing a space that pulls inspiration from Conn’s arboretum campus and makes Cro the “symbolic heart of a sustainability-minded academic community.”
“The renovation brings the arboretum inside, a unifying concept that employs biophilic and universal design strategies to activate this space, reinforce campus identity and support student wellness,” ACUI said.
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. Consigli Construction Co., Inc. served as the College’s construction partner on the project.