POTSDAM, N.Y. -- Students and faculty at SUNY Potsdam are making their mark on the new performing arts building. And when the time comes for all but one support beam to be put in place, the last beam will be extra special, with hundreds of signatures from students, alumni and staff.

This new building will be the home for the theatre and dance department, complete with classrooms, dressing rooms and a proper stage.

The department chair says they’ve been in a desperate need of a new facility for years.

“Oh it’s a boost, it’s a blessing, it’s a gift and it’s wonderful not only for this department, but for the whole campus too and for the community,” said Kimberley Buchard, Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance.

While this last beam won’t be visible forever, the department chair says the signatures will always be a part of the college’s history.

The performing arts center is expected to be completed by the spring of 2014.