Essex County College Unveils Newly Renovated Dining Hall

Essex County College celebrated the grand reopening of its newly renovated Dining Hall at the Newark campus on Wednesday, October 15. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by College leadership, county officials, trustees, students, and community partners, marked another milestone in ECC’s continued campus modernization efforts.

Construction began in the summer of 2025 and was completed ahead of schedule. The redesign, led by Arcari + Iovino Architects, transformed the space into a bright, open, and inviting area where students can relax, study, and connect between classes.

President Dr. Augustine A. Boakye reflected on the project’s deeper purpose, noting that the dining hall should be seen “not just as a place to eat but as a space for connection—a space to build a sense of belonging and campus pride.” He expressed gratitude to the teams who made the renovation possible, adding, “Your work will serve ECC for years to come.”

Trustee Cynthia D. Martinez echoed that sentiment, thanking county partners, College leadership, and educators for their collaboration. “It’s so bright, airy, and modern,” she said. “Learning takes place in spaces like these where students have the opportunity for collaboration—it’s truly a student-first approach.”

Student Government Association President Cynthia Fancher praised the addition of accessibility features, noting that “differently abled students finally have a seat at the table.”

Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. commended the College’s leadership for creating an uplifting and comfortable environment, adding that the new cafeteria “feels like a fountain of water” and stands as a reflection of ECC’s growth and renewal.