A New Era for Cyber Education: The Opening of the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center for Excellence at Union Station
BPU at the event, from left to right: President Doran; Stephanie Helm, former head of the MassCyber Center; BPU cyber student Beau Lukman ’27; Dr. Tom Loper, dean emeritus; & Dr. Natalia Blank, vice president of academic affairs
Students and visitors to the Cybersecurity Center for Excellence are greeted by blue-hued, hi-tech portal.
U.S. Congressman Neal is joined by dignitaries and supporters of the project for the official cutting of the ribbon.
The Cybersecurity Center of Excellence is located within the bustling Union Station.
Congressman Neal is flanked by Dr. John Cook, president of Springfield Technical Community College, and Domenic Sarno, mayor of Springfield.
President Doran and Congressman Neal at the event.
It was a momentous day for the local community as the ribbon was cut on the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center for Excellence at Union Station on September 16. Named after U.S. Representative Richard E. Neal, D-First Massachusetts District, who has long been an advocate for educational initiatives and workforce development in the region, the center marks a significant leap forward in preparing students for the digital age. The hub of Union Station provided a fitting backdrop for the opening—symbolic of the way the center would become a convergence point for education, technology, and opportunity.
The more than $5 million dollar center was funded with local, state, and federal money and many local political and community leaders, as well as presidents from community colleges and private colleges and universities, were in attendance.
Bay Path President Sandra Doran spoke on the impact the Center will have: “There is a critical need for cybersecurity professionals. The Center is a response to both the regional skills gap and a national need for highly trained experts. This state-of-the-art facility is designed not only to educate Bay Path students but also to provide resources for community partnerships and enhance cyber resilience for local businesses and municipalities. This Center illustrates how education, business and government can collaborate to address the cyber challenges in our world.” Bay Path was one of the early supporters of the Center and our students will be able to obtain valuable cyber experience through internships and projects.
One of the highlights of the event was a public tour. To uphold security, no photos or videos were allowed. Upon entering the Center, visitors were greeted by a portal of vibrant blue LED lights giving a high-tech feel to the facility. Inside, was a conference room and numerous labs and classrooms. Without a doubt, a giant digital wall screen attracted a great deal of attention: it showed the number of cyber attacks that day and number had already surpassed 6 million.
Springfield Technical Community College has about 50 students at the center and 400 enrolled in the program in total, with Bay Path University, Elms College, and Western New England University also part of the center and more schools looking to send students as well.