UMass Amherst Celebrates Opening of $125M Computer Science Laboratories Building

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The University of Massachusetts Amherst today celebrated the official opening of the $125 million state-of-the-art Computer Science Laboratories at Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, a hub for the future of computing and the commonwealth.

State, local and campus leaders assembled today for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which featured speeches, tours of the new facility, and a dedication of the Jim Kurose Conference Room, named for Distinguished Professor Emeritus Jim Kurose in recognition of his distinguished 40-year career at UMass Amherst and his contributions to education, computer networking research and university leadership.

The new 94,000-square-foot building—substantially funded by a $75 million state capital commitment—was designed to respond to enormous growth in the college’s enrollment and provide talent to fuel business growth and foster research collaborations that benefit the entire state. 

“Massachusetts has always been a place where great ideas become groundbreaking discoveries, new businesses and good jobs, and this new Computer Science Laboratories building will help keep that tradition going,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By investing in world-class facilities and the students, researchers and innovators who use them, we are preparing the next generation of talent to lead in computer science and emerging technologies while strengthening our economy. We’re proud to partner with UMass Amherst on this important investment to fuel these future breakthroughs.”

“This building represents an even brighter and more sustainable future for the Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences, UMass Amherst, and Massachusetts,” said Chancellor Javier A. Reyes. “This remarkable space is a strong symbol of the university’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and discovery—a commitment that will continue to drive progress and opportunity across the university and the commonwealth.”

The university’s commitment to sustainability is a hallmark feature of the new building, the first on campus to earn LEED-certified Platinum® certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“Great innovation happens when talented people have the tools, spaces and connections to turn ideas into action,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The new Computer Science Laboratories gives students and researchers at UMass Amherst a place to collaborate, create and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, while helping businesses across Massachusetts tap into the talent and research they need to grow. This is an investment not just in a building, but in the people and ideas that will shape our future.”

The laboratories features include a 4,000-square-foot Physical Computing Makerspace and purpose-built labs for foundational and applied computing, as well as a 240-seat lecture hall, modern, flexible classroom spaces and light-filled common areas to facilitate collaboration among undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students.

“When the Computer Science Laboratories was envisioned, we wanted it to be a place that brought people together. It was designed for connection as a central hub for students, faculty and researchers to collaborate, share ideas, and inspire new breakthroughs in foundational and applied computing. We wanted it to be a new home for innovation. It has proven to be just that,” said UMass President Marty Meehan. “None of this would have been possible without the generous philanthropy of former UMass Board of Trustees Chair Rob Manning and his wife Donna Manning and the leadership of Chancellor Javier Reyes. I am so grateful for their continued support, as well as everyone involved in this project including our partners in the commonwealth, the UMass Amherst team, the Board of Trustees, the UMass Building Authority, and the faculty, staff and students who make this place what it is today.”

Sustainability was built into the new facility. Its many sustainable features include a mass timber structure that resulted in an approximate 58% carbon reduction compared to conventional materials, low-emitting and environmentally friendly building materials, including low-carbon concrete; a ground source heat-exchange system that includes 70 geothermal wells; water use reduction measures, including blue roofs, bioswales and a cistern to holistically reduce stormwater impact, and reduced light pollution. 

The project is a model for the UMass Carbon Zero initiative, in which the university is working to counteract climate change and power the commonwealth’s 1,500-acre flagship campus with 100% renewable energy by approximately 2032. 

“With its expanded footprint and state-of-the-art equipment, the new Computer Science Laboratories building is carrying us into a future where computing truly will contribute to the common good,” said CICS Dean Keith Marzullo. “This new building literally links the college’s two past facilities to each other, allowing for future generations of innovation to be built on our strong foundation of science and imagination. It brings together the people, ideas and technologies that will shape the future of computing and the impact of computing on society.”

The celebration also showcased student and faculty research, with poster sessions presenting students’ latest work, as well as hands-on activities and demos led by faculty members. 

The building, located at 140 Governors Dr. in Amherst between the college’s Computer Science Building and the Lederle Graduate Research Center Lowrise, was designed by the architectural firm Perkins Eastman and broke ground in September 2022. Classes and programming in the new building began in the Fall 2025 semester. 

In 2021, the college was named in honor of a historic gift of $18 million made by UMass Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Manning and his wife, Donna Manning, for what is now the Robert and Donna Manning College of Information and Computer Sciences.

CICS is ranked the #1 public undergraduate computer science program in the Northeast, according to U.S. News & World Report. Nationally, CICS consistently places in the top 15 among all public universities and ranks tied for #35 overall alongside institutions like Northeastern University and UC Davis. Its 93 faculty work across 16 research areas. In 2025, the college awarded more than 800 undergraduate and graduate degrees.

This story was originally published by the UMass Amherst Office of News & Media Relations.