MCC Daily Tribune
Behind the Scenes: Technology Services Helps Bring the Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center Online
The opening of Monroe Community College's new Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center (Building 18) marked the culmination of months of planning, coordination, and preparation across the College. Behind the scenes, Technology Services played a critical role in ensuring the facility was fully connected, operational, and ready to support students, faculty, and staff from day one.
Working closely with contractors and campus partners, Technology Services coordinated the installation of fiber connectivity linking Building 18 to MCC's Brighton Campus network infrastructure. This critical project established the backbone of the building's communications systems, enabling the reliable network services required for instruction, collaboration, and day-to-day operations.
Beyond bringing connectivity to the facility, the team designed, installed, and configured the building's network infrastructure, ensuring classrooms, offices, and common spaces have dependable wired and wireless access. Technology Services also deployed office computers and telephone systems, helping faculty and staff transition seamlessly into their new workspaces.
The team played an essential role in supporting the building's operational technologies as well. Network services were provisioned for security cameras, access control systems, and other building management technologies that help keep the facility secure and functioning efficiently.
Several Technology Services staff members were instrumental in supporting the network and telecommunications aspects of the project, including Kyle Mason, Noel Nieves, David Lederhouse, and Ann Penwarden. Their expertise and dedication helped ensure that critical infrastructure was in place well ahead of occupancy.
At the same time, a dedicated group focused on preparing the building's instructional spaces. Scott Broberg, David Truman, Noel Nieves, JD Link, Brad Upson, Sean Flesch, and Julissa Rivera worked diligently to coordinate office relocations, stage and install classroom technology and computers, configure instructional equipment, and ensure learning spaces were fully equipped for teaching and learning.
Their efforts were critical to creating classrooms capable of supporting hands-on instruction and innovative learning experiences from the first day students entered the building. From technology installation and testing to equipment setup and final preparations, the team worked extensively to ensure a smooth transition into the new facility.
The Sydor Optics Advanced Technology Center represents more than a new building. It reflects MCC's commitment to providing students with state-of-the-art learning environments and the technology resources needed to succeed. The project required collaboration across numerous departments throughout the College, demonstrating the flexibility, teamwork, and shared dedication that make transformative initiatives possible.
Now that Building 18 is fully operational and serving the MCC community, the work completed by Technology Services and their campus partners stands as a testament to the College's commitment to innovation, connectivity, and student success. Their efforts helped transform a new facility into a modern, technology-enabled learning environment that will support teaching, learning, and workforce development for years to come.
Christina Accorso
Technology Services
09/03/2026