Topping Out Celebration marks construction milestone for Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center

The final steel beam in the Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center building project has been bolted in place, and supporters celebrated this construction milestone with a Topping Out Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 16.

The event was held in front of the facility under construction, and included remarks from State Chief Information Officer and Georgia Technology Authority Executive Director Calvin Rhodes, Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, Augusta Technical College President Terry Elam, and Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis. See photos from the event.

“To top out the structure in just over four months is a testament to the professionalism and expertise of our design and construction partners,” said Rhodes. “We are on a fast track to meet our July 2018 opening date, and it’s clear this team will make it happen.”

The 167,000-square-foot, state-owned center is located adjacent to land on Augusta University’s Riverfront Campus and is designed to promote modernization in cybersecurity technology through education, training, research, and practical applications.

The facility will house a variety of cyber-related companies, such as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s new cybercrime unity, and will provide cyber research and educational opportunities for several state and local entities, including Augusta University’s Cyber Institute and recently launched School of Computer and Cyber Sciences.

“We’re appreciative to Gov. Nathan Deal, James M. Hull and William D. McKnight for their investment in Augusta. With hands-on research and internship opportunities not found anywhere else, this world-class facility will help revolutionize cybersecurity education and bolster Georgia and Augusta’s status as a leading hub for cybersecurity innovation,” said Augusta University President Brooks A. Keel, PhD. “Students and faculty in both our Cyber Institute and School of Computer and Cyber Sciences will now have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with the departments of industry and defense, state cybersecurity professionals and tech startups, as we work to educate and train the next generation of cyber professionals.”

Prior to the ceremony, more than 150 community members signed the final beam in support of the Georgia Cyber Center, and other partners for the project include the City of Augusta, U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, University System of Georgia and Technical College System of Georgia.