By Kerri Allegretta

Webb Institute, an engineering college specializing in naval architecture and marine engineering, has unveiled its new Couch Academic Center. The state-of-the-art facility houses all academic functions and maximizes student and faculty collaboration.

Hidden under a green roof and overlooking Long Island Sound, the center features collaborative student project and innovation spaces, integrated student design studios and classrooms, team rooms, computer and innovation/makerspace labs, a research center, faculty offices, and a student lounge. The architecture firm Bentel and Bentel of Locust Valley, NY came up with the creative concept of this two-story building featuring green rooftop terraces, and DHI Construction of Lake Success, NY led the construction effort.    

“I am honored to serve as Webb’s president on this historic occasion. This new building will propel Webb into the 21^st century, a major leap forward for our academic program.” declares Webb President, R. Keith Michel ´73. “The new academic center will have an immediate impact on the recruitment and retention of faculty and students.”

Student Jackson Juska ´21 is looking forward to, “the classrooms being right on the water. All the huge windows let the natural light in…and we can see the Long Island Sound, ships, and boats, which will be a good reminder of what we are here for.”

“These amazing new facilities are incredibly important to Webb’s continued success,” says John Couch, speaking on behalf of the Couch Family for whom the academic center is named. “The overarching objective is to better prepare Webb graduates for what will certainly be a more dynamic, exciting, and challenging high-tech future. This milestone confirms the commitment of Webb’s community to the Institute’s continued progress and preeminence in the fields of naval architecture and marine engineering. I am delighted to be able to honor my father, Richard Couch ´33, in this manner.”

Webb Institute is a private engineering college offering a dual major in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. The school provides all undergraduate students who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents with full-tuition scholarships and prides itself on a 100-percent placement rate for graduates, who are highly sought by industry.