Leahy Center to Host Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on April 10 to Unveil New Collaboration Space
Vermont Business Magazine Champlain College and NuHarbor Security today unveiled a new learning and work facility at Champlain’s Lakeside Campus. The space gives students unprecedented access to experiential learning opportunities and strengthens Vermont’s cybersecurity workforce. The entirely renovated second floor doubles the capacity of the Leahy Center for Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity and becomes NuHarbor Security’s second physical location. Twenty-five NuHarbor staff members will relocate to the campus, fostering real-time engagement with students and faculty. This state-of-the-art facility reflects a shared commitment to building a results-oriented, hands-on approach to workforce development.
Supporting over 100 students each semester, the partnership between Champlain and NuHarbor demonstrates how higher education and private business can join forces to create meaningful career pathways. The close proximity of students and industry professionals fosters the rapid exchange of ideas, unparalleled access to on-the-job training and real-world industry experience. Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing industries, and this new workspace gives students the skills they need to succeed in the field.
Funding for the renovation was made possible through a prestigious National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) award.
Thursday, April 10, 2025, 10 am. Leahy Center for Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity, Champlain College
175 Lakeside Ave. Burlington, VT
Speakers:
- Alex Hernadez, President of Champlain College – Opening Remarks
- Former Senator Patrick Leahy, D-VT
- Scott Stevens, Dean, Division of Information Technology & Sciences at Champlain College
- Justin Fimlaid, Founder & CEO of NuHarbor Security
“Champlain College and NuHarbor are building one of the most innovative workforce development pipelines in the country,” said Alex Hernandez, President of Champlain College. “Students are getting the real-world technical and professional skills they need to hit the ground running in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity.”
Champlain College and NuHarbor launched an innovative statewide dual-enrollment program in October 2024 called Vermont Cyber Start. The initiative offers up to 12 college credits, hands-on learning experiences and a clear pathway to higher education for high school students across the state. Cyber Start has garnered unprecedented interest, especially from rural students. About 70 percent of students in the program reside in communities outside of Chittenden County, highlighting the growing demand for meaningful learning opportunities and career pathways across all regions of the state. The dual-enrollment program is anticipated to grow in the coming years, advancing both the state’s economic development and the broader cybersecurity industry.
"What we’ve built with Champlain is rare. It’s not just a program—it’s a blueprint for how to grow talent, drive innovation and create economic impact. We’re proud to help make Vermont a model for the country when it comes to cybersecurity excellence. This is the kind of collaboration that moves the needle," said Justin Fimlaid, Executive Director of NuHarbor Security.
To celebrate the reopening of the Center and NuHarbor ’s new office space, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on April 10 with the Center’s namesake, former Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-VT, anticipated to offer remarks.
About Champlain College: Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, not-for-profit, private college in Burlington, Vermont. Champlain offers a residential undergraduate experience from its beautiful campus overlooking Lake Champlain. Additionally, Champlain College Online provides an expansive portfolio of online degrees and certificates, reaching students across all 50 states and U.S. territories, while fostering strategic partnerships with forward-thinking workforce organizations. The College is known for its distinctive and innovative approach to career-focused education and its Upside-Down Curriculum, which helps students be Ready for work, Ready for life, and Ready to make a difference. Champlain is ranked as one of the “Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report for 2025, and was named one of the “Best 390 Colleges” by The Princeton Review for 2025, including among its “Best Northeastern colleges.” For more information, visit www.champlain.edu.
About NuHarbor Security: NuHarbor Security creates and manages tailored cybersecurity programs that help clients achieve their strategic goals with greater confidence and control. Our services include 24x7 SOC operations, penetration testing, vulnerability management, and expert advising on cybersecurity and compliance. What sets us apart is our ability to unify data from across security domains and translate it into clear, actionable improvements. We believe cybersecurity works best when it’s aligned to business priorities and delivers measurable outcomes that stakeholders across the organization can understand. Learn more at nuharborsecurity.com.
[Burlington, Vt., April 8, 2025 — ] Champlain College
To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!
