GREEN BAY, Wis. – With deep appreciation for the workers and partners bringing a new chapter of UW‑Green Bay’s future to life, the University held a Topping Out Ceremony for the Cofrin Technology and Education Center (CTEC) at 11 a.m. today. Chancellor Michael Alexander, representatives from Engberg Anderson Architects, Miron Construction and a group of faculty and staff participated in the event.
The CTEC is positioned to become the University’s new front door, representing the bold vision and momentum of a growing, region‑serving institution. This ceremony acknowledges a major milestone in the building’s construction: the placement of the final structural beam at its highest point.
“In our industry, the tradition of a topping out ceremony is about more than steel and concrete, it’s about celebrating the people behind the progress,” said Dean Basten, CFO of Miron Construction and UW-Green Bay advisory board member. “Today we recognize the teamwork, the long hours, and the pride that goes into building something that will stand for generations. We know how important this project is to the future of UW-Green Bay, so we are thrilled to continue working with the campus community to bring this vision fully to life. There’s still much to be done, but today, we pause to celebrate how far we’ve come.”
The centuries‑old topping out tradition is a nod to historical customs that honored workers, safeguarded construction sites and symbolized respect for the land. Placing an evergreen tree atop the final beam reflects hopes for growth, good fortune and safe completion of the project. Participants saw these traditions carried forward as a banner attached to the beam – signed by students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members – was raised into place.
“This is a moment of deep appreciation for everyone who has dedicated their time and talents to the construction of this building,” said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Mike Alexander. “The Cofrin Technology and Education Center will not only reshape the physical landscape of UW‑Green Bay, but it will also shape the future of the Phoenix, empowering learners and elevating opportunities across the region.”
As the CTEC building continues to rise on the UW-Green Bay campus, interested donors are invited to support and inspire students by lending their name to activate spaces that can spark ideas and engagement across disciplines. These spaces will shape tomorrow’s leaders and build futures, like the Library Service Desk Area which has already been named in honor of Paula and Clifton Ganyard to recognize the longstanding career and service Paula and Clif have shown to the University. Interested donors are encouraged to contact Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Community Engagement, Dr. Dawn Crim for details.
The Cofrin Technology and Education Center will replace the 52-year-old Cofrin Library and change the landscape for the state’s fastest growing university, as the current eight-story library will be torn down upon the completion of the CTEC building. The Wisconsin state building commission approved the new five-story, $101 million replacement in August of 2024. Engberg Anderson Architects in association with Shepley Bulfinch worked with the university to design the building; Miron Construction is leading the project.
Miron Construction Co., Inc.,one of the nation’s premier construction firms and industry leaders, provides innovative preconstruction, construction management, design-build, industrial, and general construction services nationwide. The forward-thinking, century-old private company is headquartered in Neenah, Wis., with Yard Operations located in Menasha, Wis., and regional offices in Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, and Wausau, Wis., Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Marquette, Mich. Ranked 74th among the “Top 400 Contractors in the United States”, 88th in the “Top 100 Green Building Contractors in the United States”, and 183rd among the “Top 250 Global Contractors” by Engineering News Record (ENR) (based on annual revenue), Miron is also the Official Provider of Construction Services for the Green Bay Packers and Lambeau Field. For more information, please visit www.miron-construction.com/.
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About UW-Green Bay
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay is a school of resilient problem solvers who dare to reach higher with the power of education that ignites growth and answers the biggest challenges. Serving 11,500 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students as well as 101,600 continuing education learners annually, UW-Green Bay offers 200 academic degrees, programs, and certificates. With campuses in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and a theatre in Marinette, the University’s access mission welcomes all students who want to learn, from every corner of the world. Championing bold thinking since opening its doors in 1965, it is a university on the rise – Wisconsin’s fastest-growing UW. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.
