The Advance

Issue date: 2/29/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Amanda Brady View of constuction site from the north.

Media Credit: Amanda Brady View of student center construction

Construction on the new student center is continuing after several weather-related issues.

Two ice storms and a flood last summer have delayed the two-year project by several months. However, the contract completion date remains July 8 of this year. Wayne Schneider, Vice President of Finance and Administration, believes that access will be available to the south end of the building by mid-April. This will allow furniture and equipment to be moved in while the gym is being completed with hopes that the center can be fully open and functioning for the Fall 2008 semester.

A significant benefit of this new building on campus will be the 1,600- seat athletic auditorium. The student center will also serve as a gathering place for both on- and off-campus students. It will include a snack bar that will have extended hours into the evening and a wireless internet hotspot. A new fitness and weight room area with showering capabilities in the basement will be available to all students. The addition of a second gym will allow more floor space for pickup games and intramural events. Offices for the athletic department faculty, as well as classrooms, will also be a part of this new facility.

Open gym times, as well as special activities put on by Student Life, are expected, but no official plans have been made yet. Plans are in progress to set up open-house dates to show off the structure to students, faculty and community members.

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