Conn opens new Cro-Plex Pedestrian Connector

The project, which completes a transformation of central campus, was made possible with generous support from Rob ’88 and Karen Hale P’20.

With a snip of the ceremonial ribbon on a cloudless, perfect New England fall day, Connecticut College officially opened its new Cro-Plex Pedestrian Connector. Replacing what was previously a roadway and parking area, the Cro-Plex Connector features accessible pedestrian walkways, greenspaces and gathering spaces—including an amphitheater—in the area between two of the College’s most vibrant hubs for student life, the Crozier-Williams Student Center (“Cro”) and the North Complex (“The Plex”), which comprises the main dining hall and four student residences. 

During the Oct. 23 dedication ceremony, Afaf Albur ’27, an international relations and economics double major, Africana studies minor and scholar in the Toor Cummings Center for International Studies and the Liberal Arts, said she had seen first-hand the impact the project has had on the campus. 

“From the open green spaces and beautiful scenery to the accessible pathways, we have so much to appreciate,” she said. “It’s been really remarkable to see how this space has been transformed and how it has changed not only the physical landscape of our campus, but how we experience campus life.

“There have been multiple times when, after long hours in the library, my friends and I would step outside and find ourselves standing on this sidewalk, debriefing our days or having philosophical conversations,” she continued. “These moments might seem small, but they are very important to our student experience. I hope future Camels will continue to enjoy and benefit from this space for many years to come.” 

Made possible with generous support from Rob ’88 and Karen Hale P’20, the Cro-Plex Connector also marks the completion of a three-part capital project designed to enhance indoor and outdoor student spaces and transform the heart of Conn’s arboretum campus. That effort also included the renovation of Cro into an inviting and modern center for student life and the conversion of Cro Boulevard from a roadway and parking area into a pedestrian promenade dotted with benches, nooks and tables for studying and socializing. Both previous projects were completed in the fall of 2025.

President Andrea E. Chapdelaine told the gathered audience of students, faculty, staff, trustees and former trustees that the Hale family’s generosity is spread throughout campus. In total, the Hales have given $50 million to Conn to support financial aid, athletics, career services, campus improvements, and a 21st-century liberal arts education. The Cro-Plex Connector project was part of their most recent gift of $30 million.

The students have made this space their own, studying, eating and socializing here, and gathering together in our new beautiful amphitheater, which has already been used for a movie night, classes and other events,” she said. “As we walk these newly connected paths and enjoy these spaces, we are reminded that when generosity meets vision, our campus is transformed and our students have an even more enriching experience.” 

In his remarks, Board of Trustees Chair Seth Alvord ’93 said the new space reminded him of an Italian piazza, traditionally a place for dialogue and learning. 

“The piazza is an area where people gather and share ideas of civic life. They are hubs of conversation, places for the exchange of ideas. And so, I think we sort of have our piazza now on campus, and I look forward to watching our students, faculty and staff use this space in different ways,” he said. 

“We are very grateful for Hale’s extraordinary generosity,” he continued. “Their family’s commitment to Conn is deeply appreciated.”

Vice President for College Advancement Allison Gomes noted that the Cro-Plex Connector area also features the Marjorie Holloway Endowed Memorial Garden, established with a gift from Susan Eckert Lynch ’62; the Opatrny Family Plaza, established with a gift Judith Opatrny ’72 and her husband, Donald; support from Trustee John D. Linehan P’18 ’23 ’24 and his wife, Elizabeth; and a dedicated bench from the Classes of 1967 and 1968.

“These are tangible investments in our campus community,” she said. “We are grateful for our many donors, and for the great leadership and support of Rob ’88 and Karen Hale P’20. Their generosity and commitment sustain Conn, strengthen our programs, and create new possibilities for current and future students.”

Chapdelaine noted that the concept for the project was first proposed by Trustee John S. Zeiler ’74—as part of his senior project while he was still a student at Conn.

“Student voices matter at Conn, and the Cro-Plex Connector serves as a beautiful, visible reminder of the impact one student can have, especially when joined with tremendous benefactors in other classes,” she said.  

Chapdelaine also thanked the Board of Trustees; Associate Vice President for Facilities and Campus Planning Justin Wolfradt, who served as the project lead; and the College’s partners in the project, including landscape architect Kaki Martin from KMDG, civil engineer Rod Szwelicki from VHB, Eric McGrath and Josh Kleinman from Fox Rock Properties, and Brian Santoro, Nick Casciano and Josh Sylvester from Consigli Construction.