SUNY Cortland Celebrates Renovations of Cornish and Van Hoesen Halls

The $27 million project upgraded facilities for the Communication and Media Studies Department and other student services.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:11pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeating grid of stylized textbooks in bold, overlapping colors, conceptually representing the university's commitment to upgrading its educational resources.SUNY Cortland's investment in modernizing its academic facilities aims to elevate the learning experiences of its students.Cortland Today

SUNY Cortland has completed a major $27 million renovation project on Cornish and Van Hoesen Halls, which house the university's Communication and Media Studies Department, Conley Counseling and Wellness Services, Disability Resources, and the Educational Opportunity Program. The renovations expanded internal space, centralized services, and added state-of-the-art facilities including new audio and video production studios, an on-air radio station, and a podcasting and cinema screening room.

Why it matters

The renovations to Cornish and Van Hoesen Halls demonstrate SUNY Cortland's ongoing commitment to investing in and improving its academic facilities and student services. The upgraded communication and media studies department will provide students with access to industry-quality resources to enhance their learning and hands-on experience.

The details

The two and a half year renovation project included major upgrades to both the interior and exterior of Cornish and Van Hoesen Halls. The centralization of the university's communication and media outlets, including the Dragon Chronicle newspaper, WXUC radio, and CSTV, will enable more collaborative projects between these student-run organizations. The renovations also added new student lounges, a sensory room, and accessibility services space.

  • The renovation project began in 2023 and was completed in early 2026.
  • The renovated buildings officially opened for students at the start of the Spring 2026 semester.

The players

SUNY Cortland

A public university located in Cortland, New York, that is part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.

Erik Bitterbaum

The president of SUNY Cortland, who oversaw the renovation project and highlighted the university's ongoing investments in its facilities.

Parker Arenas

The president of SUNY Cortland's Student Government Association, who praised the renovations for improving student education and experiences.

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What they’re saying

“Our faculty and staff in our communication and media studies department now have really access to industry quality facilities that will elevate teaching and learning.”

— Erik Bitterbaum, President, SUNY Cortland

“Over the past 20 years, we have actually done over $500 million in renovation. And we're very fortunate it's going to continue next year with the renovation of Corey. We're number two on the list, so we can't wait until the [state] budget is passed.”

— Erik Bitterbaum, President, SUNY Cortland

“This renovation sends a message to all Cortland students that Cortland is committed to improving their education and experiences not only through traditional teaching but hands-on experience as well.”

— Parker Arenas, President, SUNY Cortland Student Government Association

What’s next

SUNY Cortland plans to continue its facility upgrades with the renovation of Corey Hall, which is next on the university's list of projects pending state budget approval.

The takeaway

SUNY Cortland's substantial investments in upgrading its academic buildings and student support facilities, including the recent $27 million project for Cornish and Van Hoesen Halls, demonstrate the university's commitment to providing its students with modern, high-quality learning environments and hands-on experiences to prepare them for future success.