marching band signing beam
The University family joined community leaders, construction and design teams to sign a rigging beam

The University of Texas Permian Basin is celebrating a major structural milestone in the construction of the D. Kirk Edwards Family Human Performance Center with a topping out ceremony. 

The University family including faculty, staff and students joined community leaders, construction and design teams to sign an 18” X 22” rigging beam before crews flew it into place as the final structural beam of the facility.

A tree attached to a beam represents one of the construction industry’s oldest traditions brought from Europe to the United States. Ironworkers have continued the “topping out” event because their skills make them the first to reach the pinnacle of a structure.

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Once complete, the 63,000 square foot facility will provide the campus with classrooms, biomechanics and exercise physiology labs, offices, lecture spaces, a weight room and athletic training spaces.

“We are so excited for this facility and believe will instill a sense of pride in our athletic programs, while inspiring research and advanced learning for our students,” President Sandra Woodley said. “Our students and athletes deserve a facility like this. We expect the best from them in the classroom, at practice and at game-time. They should expect the same from us.”