Atlanta — While embracing African traditions in a dramatic and poignant ceremony, Spelman College recently opened its new state-of-the-art academic center made possible by a $20-million gift from Drs. Camille and William Cosby.
The new five-story building — brimming with high-tech classrooms and laboratories — is more than a gift to Spelman, said the comedian/philanthropist. “This is a gift to the United States of America.”
“Let your hearts absolutely sing with joy and with gratitude,” exhorted Spelman’s beaming president, Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, who presided over the building’s dedication and celebration ceremonies.
With “talking” drums, poetry and the symbolic pouring of libations, Spelman celebrated the official opening of The Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby Academic Center with a flourish and a razzledazzle complement of hundreds of local and national dignitaries, alumni, students, faculty, friends and fans of both the college and the famous couple.
The Cosby Center, as it is already popularly known, is a striking edifice distinguished by its appointments of rich mahogany, ornate masonry and terrazzo floors.
State-of-the-art Facility
Cosby expressed pride in the quality of the building and in the “maintenance company” — the Spelman family — he charged with making “sure that this jewel has the finest maintenance ever.” Later he declared: “There’s class here.”
