Photo: Neal Waters, ’07 Geography, ’15 MS Mass Communications

Photo: Neal Waters, ’07 Geography, ’15 MS Mass Communications

Hundreds of students, faculty, staff and construction workers became part of history Oct. 8 by signing the beam that now tops San Jose State’s newest residence hall.

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Photo: Neal Waters, ’07 Geography, ’15 MS Mass Communications

Early in the morning, the Sundt construction company crane operator placed a beam on the ground outside the construction site for passers-by to sign.

By the time university and company dignitaries arrived at noon to thank construction workers, hundreds of student signatures covered the beam.

Officials and construction workers added their names, tied on a tree and flag (old traditions), and a GoPro camera (something new to record the moment).

Then the crane operator climbed back into the sky-high cab, swung over the jib, and lifted the beam up, up and away to the project’s highest point.

Plans call for Campus Village 2 to open to residents in fall 2016. The 10-floor, L-shaped building will house 850 students.