The newest academic building at the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College was recently dedicated to the late Harry J. Parrish. Parrish Hall contains more than 55,000 square feet of space for lecture rooms, computer, biology and engineering labs, art studio and offices. Photo by: Carlene Mackereth

Faculty, staff, students and guests gathered to officially open Harry J. Parrish Hall at the Manassas campus of Northern Virginia Community College on May 8. The building is named after Harry J. Parrish, the longtime Virginia delegate and former Manassas mayor.

Interim Provost Christine Holt got the celebration started with a warm welcome. “It is my pleasure to greet you on this happy occasion. We are gathered to dedicate the newest structure on the Manassas campus, and I know you’ll share my enthusiasm about the facility’s wonderful amenities,” she said.

NOVA Board Chair David Miller introduced special guests, including Parrish family members, senators Charles J. Colgan and Richard H. Black and delegates L. Scott Lingamfelter and Jackson H. Miller. The General Assembly members shared anecdotes about Harry Parrish and discussed how important education is for the future of the community.

NOVA President Robert G. Templin Jr. mentioned the STEM and art programs offered in the new building, and Manassas Mayor Harry J. Parrish II talked about the opportunities available to the community.

After a large ribbon was cut with supersized scissors to symbolize the formal opening, student ambassadors led tours around the building and guests enjoyed a reception featuring entertainment by Confirmation Quartet.

Parrish Hall contains lecture rooms, computer laboratories, biology labs, engineering lab, art studio and offices in 55,000 square feet of space. In addition, a large Barnes & Noble Bookstore and Café will provide expanded services and merchandise when it opens later this year.

Designed to meet LEED silver rating, the three-story structure incorporates many sustainable construction elements such as efficient heating and cooling, low-flow plumbing fixtures, recycled and regionally manufactured materials, and rain gardens for stormwater management. Moseley Architects designed the building, and Hess Construction and Engineering Services managed the construction project.

By: Contributing Author

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