![President Todd Pfannestiel poses with Jeremy Thurston chairperson Board of Trustees [left] and former chairperson Robert Brvenik [right] after accepting the university's institutional charter.](https://uticatangerine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/unnamed.jpeg)
Bell Hall sustained some water damage over Winter Break, affecting students on the third floor, after a pipe burst in the early afternoon Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024. The flooding activated the fire alarm system and Campus Safety responded to Bell Hall to find the water coming from the pipe. The Utica Fire Department responded shortly after.
According to Marissa Hall, executive director of Student Living, the issue was quickly dealt with and Bell Hall’s water supply was shut off so clean up work could begin.
“Our main goal on December 24 was clearing up the water and then working to start assessing damages, and concerns for student spaces,” Hall said. “We all worked closely with students to inform them of how their spaces were impacted, how we rearranged things, how we were working to dry and clean rugs and how we could best assist them for their particular spaces and needs.”
Students have not shared major concerts about the flood and the university is working to replace lingering ceiling tiles in some student dorms, Hall said.
Senior Hanna Godkin, a member of the women’s basketball team, returned to campus on Dec. 28 and was temporarily placed in South Hall for more than a week while repairs were being made in Bell Hall. She did not lose any personal items because she kept a lot of things in plastic totes off the floor.
“I wasn’t greatly affected by the water damage,” Godkin said. “My rug and a few of my totes under my bed had gotten damp but everything for the most part had dried out. I was most affected by being temporarily placed in another room for a period of time.”
Godkin said the university was prompt in dealing with the issue. The repairs took about a week but SLCE was good about communicating what was happening and updating them on when they could return back to their original rooms.
“For dealing with this issue over two holidays I feel they were the most efficient they could be dealing with the issue,” Godkin said. “We were also back before the spring semester started which I feel was a big worry for some of us.”
