AIC Makes Plans for Fall Semester in the Wake of Courniotes Hall Fire

The College is taking measures to ensure the continuity of educational programs for students

American International College (AIC) is actively working to prepare for the upcoming fall semester following last week’s unfortunate large structural fire that severely impacted two of AIC’s essential academic buildings: Courniotes Hall and the adjoining Lissa building.

Preliminary investigation results indicate that the fire was caused by a lightning strike during a powerful storm that passed through the area. Both Courniotes and Lissa were integral to the College’s health sciences academic offerings, accommodating nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and public health programs.

AIC’s administrative team, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, is diligently developing a comprehensive plan to address both the immediate and long-term consequences of the fire. The immediate priority has been to start to relocate the affected classes, clinical simulation labs, and faculty and staff offices to their new alternative locations. This measure will ensure minimal disruption to our academic operations and safeguard the continuity of educational activities for students.

The leadership of the College deeply appreciates the support and solidarity offered by various sources during this challenging time. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Governor Maura Healey, and Congressman Richard Neal have all reached out to offer their assistance in moving AIC forward. Moreover, leaders from many local colleges and universities have generously offered their help.

Efforts are ongoing to stabilize Courniotes Hall and assess the extent of the damage. AIC Board of Trustees Chairman, Frank Colaccino, has been actively involved in this assessment and is dedicated to helping guide the College through the recovery process. With his assistance, AIC has engaged the services of an experienced project manager to navigate the logistics of assessment and reconstruction, which is expected to be a comprehensive, months-long journey.

Recognizing the importance of ensuring a smooth transition during this period of recovery, the campus community is being kept informed of the details of the relocation plan, including temporary facilities, academic schedules, and safety measures. Dr. Micheal Dodge, AIC’s Chief Academic Officer, and the College deans have worked diligently to identify on-campus spaces for affected faculty, staff, and classes to occupy, beginning the first day of the fall semester.

In response to the overwhelming desire of many community members to contribute financially to the rebuilding project, the Office of the President, alongside the Office of Institutional Advancement, is planning a fundraising campaign to kickstart the reimagination of Courniotes Hall. Further details will be communicated soon.

College President Hubert Benitez, DDS, PhD, expresses deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from so many. “I want to acknowledge the remarkable resilience and unity displayed by our faculty, staff, and students. It is this collective effort from our community that gives me confidence that we will overcome this adversity together. As we continue to navigate this challenging situation, AIC remains committed to providing the best possible learning experience for our students while fulfilling our mission to foster academic excellence and workforce development.

Updates on the recovery process will be communicated regularly to keep our community informed.

Access news coverage of the fire and its aftermath in the AIC News Archive by CLICKING HERE.