Ribbon Cutting Opens Renovated Truett Hall
New hub for students starts a fresh chapter for Touro University California
On August 28, Touro University California (TUC) celebrated the grand opening of Truett Hall, a historic Mare Island structure that has undergone a transformative $7 million renovation. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a new chapter for the 33,000-square-foot building, which now serves as the central hub on campus for tech-forward learning environments, student services, academic innovation, and administrative operations.
Truett Hall: Re-Imagined
Originally constructed as part of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, today, Truett Hall has been reimagined to support the next generation of healthcare professionals and educators. The renovation was made possible in part by a $1 million federal grant secured with the support of Congressman Mike Thompson, whose advocacy for healthcare education continues to benefit the Solano County region.
Newman Hoffman, CEO of TUC, reflected on the recent completion of this renovation. “We are extremely lucky to be a part of the rich history of Mare Island. Truett Hall was an infectious disease ward and now it's a space for our students to learn to be doctors, sonographers, and more. Having a space to support the expansion of our offerings means we can educate more physicians and other healthcare professionals to address the serious healthcare shortages in our immediate area and throughout California. To be able to serve as a caretaker to these buildings and their history while addressing the problems of today is special.”
In recognition of Touro University California’s continued contributions to healthcare education and community development, the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Truett Hall included the presentation of several prestigious honors. TUC received a Congressional Commendation signed by Congressman John Garamendi, a California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition signed by District 11 Assemblywoman Lori Wilson, and a Congressional Certificate of Recognition signed by Congressman Mike Thompson.
A Vision for Innovation and Learning
The newly completed Truett Hall now houses advanced labs for Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Physical Diagnosis, and Ultrasound, giving students immersive clinical training from day one. The Truett Learning Pavilion offers flexible, tech-enabled space for team-based learning, while the new Student Success and Testing Centers ensure students are supported every step of the way. In a state facing a shortage of thousands of physicians and nurses, Truett Hall is where the next generation of healthcare leaders begins their journey. 
“I am thrilled to see Truett Hall reopen as a vibrant center of learning on our campus. This transformation reflects TUC’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The addition of classrooms designed for Team-Based Learning will create dynamic environments where collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking flourish. These are all skills essential for the next generation of healthcare leaders,” said Dr. Tami Hendriksz, Campus Provost, CAO, and Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Dr. Hendriskz added, “More than just a renovation, Truett Hall symbolizes our investment in students and faculty alike. My hope is that when they walk into this space, they see not only upgraded facilities but also a clear message:
Touro is committed to their growth, their success, and their future.”
The reopening of Truett Hall also supports TUC’s recent expansion of its College of Osteopathic Medicine, which welcomed an additional 50 students in Fall 2024 for a total of 189 students in the program. This is in addition to the first cohort of students in the A.A.S. Radiologic Technology program and the most recent arrival of the A.A.S Diagnostic Medical Sonography students. The building’s modernized classrooms and collaborative learning spaces are designed to accommodate this growth while enhancing the student experience.