American School for the Deaf Breaks Ground for New Building

A crowd of several hundred students, teachers, alumni, administrators, board members, and dignitaries gathered Monday morning at the for a ceremonial groundbreaking for the school's state-of-the-art education facility.

Onlookers were shielded from the sudden rainfall by a large tent as a team of teachers, students, and others donned hardhats and put their shovels to the dirt.

"At the end of the day, this is not about bricks, mortars, pillars," said David Carter, President of the Board of Directors of ASD, at a ceremony that preceded the groundbreaking.

Ed Peltier, ASD's executive director, spoke aloud and in American Sign Language as he introduced staff members who contributed documents to be placed in a time capsule. The time capsule will contain a list of current students, list of current staff, yearbooks from 2011 and 2012, and the program from the groundbreaking ceremony.

"Since 1990 there have been discussions about the need for a state-of-the-art education facility ... we approach the future with a sense of optimism and positive energy," Peltier said. He demonstrated a special sign that students, who are also anxious for the new facility, have come up with. It translates to: "New building – when?"

Sen. Richard Blumenthal told the crowd, "This school has made an historic leap forward into the future." He commended ASD for having coverage and daring – preserving what is best about its legacy but at the same time keeping pace with progress.

Blumenthal, who received a standing ovation when he finished speaking, said the new facility represents the school's commitment to greatness and is representative of "America's future at its most promising."

Deputy Mayor Shari Cantor said, "It takes strength and bravery to step up to that next level."

Liam McGee, Chairman, President, and CEO of The Hartford, and a West Hartford resident, is honorary chairman of ASD's Foundation for Future Capital Campaign. A partnership between the two organizations is even more appropriate and significant, he said, since The Hartford's world headquarters today sits on the site of ASD's original location on Asylum Street in Hartford.

The new 60,000 square foot state-of-the-art education facility will support the school's needs with an open and accessible floor plan, and the ability to accommodate specialized equipment.

"I'm really proud to be part of this historic fundraising," he said.

The American School for the Deaf, which was founded in 1817, moved to West Hartford in 1921. "ASD has always been and will continue to be a good neighbor to the community," said John Patrick, Chairman, President, and CEO of Farmington Bank, who chairs the Foundations for the Future campaign.

Alexandra McGee, President of ASD's Alumni Association, expressed thanks to ASD for providing its students with the skills they need to excel.

ASD junior Marcus Greco, using American Sign Language, said "Now we look to say goodbye ... the new building is in front, the old building is behind ... we are looking ahead and forward."

"The new building will ensure that future generations will have the education they deserve," said Jeff Bravin, assistant executive director of ASD.

West Hartford Town Manager Ron Van Winkle said he anticipates "the new building will be a new monument."

American School for the Deaf anticipates a ribbon-cutting for the facility in September 2013. "Fourteen months is agressive, but we continue to reaffirm that it's doable," Peltier said.

Parts of the historic Gallaudet Hall, including the dining area and kitchen as well as some offices, are still being used, and will remain available until the new building is complete. A timeline for the structure's demolition has not been set but Peltier anticipates it will happen in 2014 or 2015.