With more than 1,300 virtual onlookers and a handful of in-person attendees, the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated the completion of the Velocity Center in Indian Head, Maryland with a ribbon cutting and a procession of praise and congratulations.
“Certainly, this is a transformational time for all of us, even beyond the effects of COVID-19 and the changes it is bringing. Here in the CSM Velocity Center, transformation awaits,” said CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy when she kicked off the Sept. 17 Facebook Live event. “We have created a place specifically for innovation, learning, and collaboration for academia, the Navy, and our community. We are truly showcasing collaboration at its best.”
The celebration also showcased the power of partnerships.
CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy describes the Velocity Center for those who tuned in via Facebook Live as “one giant professional playground for innovation.”
“Let me describe this space for those who are joining us virtually,” offered Murphy. “It is one giant professional playground for innovation. It is approximately 13,000 square feet and located outside of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head. Here Navy scientists and industry leaders can interact with students, have a place to tinker or conduct unclassified research, as well as one where the community will have future access to CSM courses.”
The CSM Velocity Center aligns with the strategic plans of the region’s naval bases, as well as state and local economic development plans. The project cost $2.2 million. To launch it, CSM was awarded $500,000 as one of three academic recipients of the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative.
“In fact, that was when I first met Maryland Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford,” shared Murphy. “He visited CSM a little over three years ago and announced our award—the first awarded to a community college. The state has continued to be a strong partner, in particular Departments of Commerce and Housing and Community Development.”
On site for the celebration in addition to Rutherford were State Senator Arthur Ellis, Charles County Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Indian Head Mayor Brandon Paulin and Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) Technical Director Ashley Johnson, as well as Carol Gilbert representing Maryland’s Housing and Community Development and Steve Wall representing the state’s Commerce Department.
Murphy pointed out that Ellis and the Southern Maryland Delegation were also among the strongest advocates to help get funding for the CSM Velocity Center with their support of Maryland bond bills over the last three years totaling $525,000.
Md. Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford and Sen. Arthur Ellis share safe greetings at the ceremony.
Promising ongoing support from the state, Ellis offered praise.
“Thank you so much for this facility and for the potential it brings to Indian Head, Southern Maryland, Maryland and the United States,” the senator said. “With economic activity, we also have a tremendous opportunity to bring revenues into Indian Head and our state.”
“The CSM Velocity Center is a catalyst for the economic revitalization of the Town of Indian Head,” agreed Murphy. “Located in an Opportunity Zone, the Velocity Center will not only support revitalization, but enhance regional economic mobility. Charles County through the Economic Development Department has committed $100,000 per year for three years for programming efforts at the CSM Velocity Center through 2022. We are grateful for that commitment.”
“There is nothing more inspiring than seeing a concept transform into actual brick and mortar,” replied Collins. “When I walked in here this afternoon, it became abundantly clear to me that the numerous discussions that took place early on in our community transpired to create this Velocity Center.”
Charles County Commissioner President Reuben Collins credits the Velocity Center for the Town of Indian Head’s economic rebirth.
Calling the center a “bridge between the college, the Navy and the community,” Collins said that the facility will revitalize commercial activity in the Town of Indian Head.
“We are already seeing renewed interest from outside businesses in part as a result of the Velocity Center’s presence in the community,” he said. “This is an excellent opportunity to support and cultivate the town’s economic rebirth.”
Paulin agreed.
Indian Head Mayor Brandon Paulin welcomes all to the hub of innovation and collaboration in Southern Maryland
“There were many times throughout the process where I could tell that some were more skeptical that it was ever going to come to fruition. To those people, I say, ‘welcome to the hub of innovation and collaboration in Southern Maryland!’ The Velocity Center will be a true catalyst for economic development for Indian Head and Western Charles County.”
From the NSWC IHD perspective, Johnson took the podium to wrap up the line of in-person partners sharing well-wishes and gratitude. The base is less than a quarter mile from the center.
“This month, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division marks its 130th anniversary,” he said. “The command celebrates a long and storied history here in the Town of Indian Head.”
For the last six years, Johnson said he “evoked the term energetics renaissance – with purpose.”
Johnson pointed out that NSWC IHD serves as the principal agent for the development of energetic materials and systems to the U.S. Navy’s fleet and that the command keeps the nation’s forward-deployed forces postured “today, tonight and tomorrow” against grave threats.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) Technical Director Ashley Johnson shares that CSM was “able to answer our call” to deliver a place for an “energetics renaissance.”
“The CSM Velocity Center will provide an ideal environment to drive innovation by facilitating collaboration among representatives from the Naval Research Enterprise, academia, small business, industry and other government organizations,” according to Johnson. He added NSWC IHD will use the Velocity Center to conduct ‘Technology Transfer’ events, such as technology showcases, invention discovery forums and hack-a-thons.
“[The Velocity Center] will provide us with a state-of-the-art facility to hold conferences, meetings, and learning interventions for our workforce right here in the Town of Indian Head,” said Johnson. “The command will benefit from the interest and excitement generated in the STEM career fields at the Velocity Center as well as new and stronger business and entrepreneurial relationships.”
Citing shared conviction and will, he thanked everyone for partnering to build the Velocity Center.
Because of safety and CSM’s physical distancing protocols, many officials chose to watch the occasion via Facebook Live and praise for the completion of the CSM Velocity continued to pour in throughout the day.
“The Charles County delegation has consistently supported the Velocity Center and looks forward to the opportunities that will be afforded our citizens,” said Md. State Delegate Edith Patterson.
“I would like to say a warm ‘congratulations’ to the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) on the opening of its Velocity Center in Indian Head, Maryland,” offered Charles County Commissioner Thomasina Coates. “This project, a collaboration with Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC IHD) and others, is a welcoming addition to the educational growth and economic drive not only for the Indian Head community but for Charles County overall. The CSM Velocity Center is a much-needed resource tool that will be able to provide an ‘innovative learning space as well as support workforce development’ for all of our residents. I am proud to have this venture in our county and especially in District 2.”
“Located in one of Charles County’s designated Opportunity Zones, the Velocity Center will serve as an important catalyst for redevelopment and economic growth in Indian Head,” said Gilbert. “This project is a great example of how state revitalization programs like the Strategic Demolition Fund are helping to change communities for the better throughout Maryland.”
At the end of the ceremony, Murphy acknowledged more partners.
“The MEIF award, mentioned earlier by Lt. Gov Rutherford, was matched by the CSM Foundation, with Michael Chiaramonte as our primary contributor,” she shared. “Additionally, last fall Maryland Governor Larry Hogan celebrated with us when the Rural Maryland Council awarded us $350,000 from the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund. CSM itself has provided more than $400,000 toward Velocity Center operations, and we also acknowledge other funding partners Dominion and ETC.
To learn more about the Velocity Center, visit https://www.csmd.edu/about/locations/velocity-center/.
Watch the ceremony in its entirety on the CSM Facebook page.
You may also be interested in reading:
“Certainly, this is a transformational time for all of us, even beyond the effects of COVID-19 and the changes it is bringing. Here in the CSM Velocity Center, transformation awaits,” said CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy when she kicked off the Sept. 17 Facebook Live event. “We have created a place specifically for innovation, learning, and collaboration for academia, the Navy, and our community. We are truly showcasing collaboration at its best.”
The celebration also showcased the power of partnerships.
CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy describes the Velocity Center for those who tuned in via Facebook Live as “one giant professional playground for innovation.”
“Let me describe this space for those who are joining us virtually,” offered Murphy. “It is one giant professional playground for innovation. It is approximately 13,000 square feet and located outside of the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head. Here Navy scientists and industry leaders can interact with students, have a place to tinker or conduct unclassified research, as well as one where the community will have future access to CSM courses.”
The CSM Velocity Center aligns with the strategic plans of the region’s naval bases, as well as state and local economic development plans. The project cost $2.2 million. To launch it, CSM was awarded $500,000 as one of three academic recipients of the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative.
“In fact, that was when I first met Maryland Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford,” shared Murphy. “He visited CSM a little over three years ago and announced our award—the first awarded to a community college. The state has continued to be a strong partner, in particular Departments of Commerce and Housing and Community Development.”
On site for the celebration in addition to Rutherford were State Senator Arthur Ellis, Charles County Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins II, Indian Head Mayor Brandon Paulin and Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) Technical Director Ashley Johnson, as well as Carol Gilbert representing Maryland’s Housing and Community Development and Steve Wall representing the state’s Commerce Department.
Murphy pointed out that Ellis and the Southern Maryland Delegation were also among the strongest advocates to help get funding for the CSM Velocity Center with their support of Maryland bond bills over the last three years totaling $525,000.
Md. Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford and Sen. Arthur Ellis share safe greetings at the ceremony.
Promising ongoing support from the state, Ellis offered praise.
“Thank you so much for this facility and for the potential it brings to Indian Head, Southern Maryland, Maryland and the United States,” the senator said. “With economic activity, we also have a tremendous opportunity to bring revenues into Indian Head and our state.”
“The CSM Velocity Center is a catalyst for the economic revitalization of the Town of Indian Head,” agreed Murphy. “Located in an Opportunity Zone, the Velocity Center will not only support revitalization, but enhance regional economic mobility. Charles County through the Economic Development Department has committed $100,000 per year for three years for programming efforts at the CSM Velocity Center through 2022. We are grateful for that commitment.”
“There is nothing more inspiring than seeing a concept transform into actual brick and mortar,” replied Collins. “When I walked in here this afternoon, it became abundantly clear to me that the numerous discussions that took place early on in our community transpired to create this Velocity Center.”
Charles County Commissioner President Reuben Collins credits the Velocity Center for the Town of Indian Head’s economic rebirth.
Calling the center a “bridge between the college, the Navy and the community,” Collins said that the facility will revitalize commercial activity in the Town of Indian Head.
“We are already seeing renewed interest from outside businesses in part as a result of the Velocity Center’s presence in the community,” he said. “This is an excellent opportunity to support and cultivate the town’s economic rebirth.”
Paulin agreed.
Indian Head Mayor Brandon Paulin welcomes all to the hub of innovation and collaboration in Southern Maryland
“There were many times throughout the process where I could tell that some were more skeptical that it was ever going to come to fruition. To those people, I say, ‘welcome to the hub of innovation and collaboration in Southern Maryland!’ The Velocity Center will be a true catalyst for economic development for Indian Head and Western Charles County.”
From the NSWC IHD perspective, Johnson took the podium to wrap up the line of in-person partners sharing well-wishes and gratitude. The base is less than a quarter mile from the center.
“This month, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division marks its 130th anniversary,” he said. “The command celebrates a long and storied history here in the Town of Indian Head.”
For the last six years, Johnson said he “evoked the term energetics renaissance – with purpose.”
Johnson pointed out that NSWC IHD serves as the principal agent for the development of energetic materials and systems to the U.S. Navy’s fleet and that the command keeps the nation’s forward-deployed forces postured “today, tonight and tomorrow” against grave threats.
Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division (NSWC IHD) Technical Director Ashley Johnson shares that CSM was “able to answer our call” to deliver a place for an “energetics renaissance.”
“The CSM Velocity Center will provide an ideal environment to drive innovation by facilitating collaboration among representatives from the Naval Research Enterprise, academia, small business, industry and other government organizations,” according to Johnson. He added NSWC IHD will use the Velocity Center to conduct ‘Technology Transfer’ events, such as technology showcases, invention discovery forums and hack-a-thons.
“[The Velocity Center] will provide us with a state-of-the-art facility to hold conferences, meetings, and learning interventions for our workforce right here in the Town of Indian Head,” said Johnson. “The command will benefit from the interest and excitement generated in the STEM career fields at the Velocity Center as well as new and stronger business and entrepreneurial relationships.”
Citing shared conviction and will, he thanked everyone for partnering to build the Velocity Center.
Because of safety and CSM’s physical distancing protocols, many officials chose to watch the occasion via Facebook Live and praise for the completion of the CSM Velocity continued to pour in throughout the day.
“The Charles County delegation has consistently supported the Velocity Center and looks forward to the opportunities that will be afforded our citizens,” said Md. State Delegate Edith Patterson.
“I would like to say a warm ‘congratulations’ to the College of Southern Maryland (CSM) on the opening of its Velocity Center in Indian Head, Maryland,” offered Charles County Commissioner Thomasina Coates. “This project, a collaboration with Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC IHD) and others, is a welcoming addition to the educational growth and economic drive not only for the Indian Head community but for Charles County overall. The CSM Velocity Center is a much-needed resource tool that will be able to provide an ‘innovative learning space as well as support workforce development’ for all of our residents. I am proud to have this venture in our county and especially in District 2.”
“Located in one of Charles County’s designated Opportunity Zones, the Velocity Center will serve as an important catalyst for redevelopment and economic growth in Indian Head,” said Gilbert. “This project is a great example of how state revitalization programs like the Strategic Demolition Fund are helping to change communities for the better throughout Maryland.”
At the end of the ceremony, Murphy acknowledged more partners.
“The MEIF award, mentioned earlier by Lt. Gov Rutherford, was matched by the CSM Foundation, with Michael Chiaramonte as our primary contributor,” she shared. “Additionally, last fall Maryland Governor Larry Hogan celebrated with us when the Rural Maryland Council awarded us $350,000 from the Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund. CSM itself has provided more than $400,000 toward Velocity Center operations, and we also acknowledge other funding partners Dominion and ETC.
To learn more about the Velocity Center, visit https://www.csmd.edu/about/locations/velocity-center/.
Watch the ceremony in its entirety on the CSM Facebook page.
You may also be interested in reading: