Eastern Set to Dedicate New Student Center
WILLIMANTIC, CONN., – Governor M. Jodi Rell and Department of Public Works (DPW) Commissioner Reanne V. Curtis will lead a long list of dignitaries who will join President Elsa M. Nuñez and the campus community when Eastern Connecticut State University dedicates its new Student Center on Sept. 25. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. on the plaza in front of the facility. Tours and refreshments will follow the ceremony.
The remodeled and expanded student center features a fitness center, bookstore, theatre, coffeehouse, snack bar, several open lounge areas, conference and meeting rooms, and offices for student clubs and organizations.
Governor Rell called Eastern’s Student Center an important regional investment for the state. “This beautiful first-class Student Center will attract students of all ages to come, to study and learn, and to improve their lives. It is a much-needed facility for Eastern and for the residents of our state.”
Said DPW’s Commissioner Curtis, “DPW is proud of this fine project. We look forward to working again with Eastern as we strive to upgrade our higher education facilities across the state, to make them the best in the nation.”
“The expansion and renovation project has given our Student Center a wonderful new look and feel,” said Eastern President Elsa M. Nuñez, “and the additional space allows us to bring together all student clubs and organizations under one roof. With the Center becoming the hub of campus life, we can give students more opportunities for civic engagement and leadership, reinforcing the learning that occurs in the classroom. The new Student Center is a critical element of our vision of a well-rounded liberal arts experience.”
In addition to Governor Rell, Commissioner Curtis, and President Nuñez, David G. Carter, Sr., chancellor of the Connecticut State University System (CSU); and Lawrence D. McHugh, chairman of the CSU Board of Trustees, will also speak. Local officials and area legislators are also expected to attend.
The $18.5 million expansion and renovation nearly doubled the size of the existing Student Center from 41,000 to 72,000 square feet. The facility, which has become the focal point of campus life, features a long columned atrium lobby and bright, spacious interior. Amenities include a food court, an expanded bookstore, a new 150-seat theatre, a 4,000-square-foot fitness center, a multi-purpose ballroom that seats 400, and several open lounge areas, along with student center administration offices. It also accommodates wireless computer networking.
The Student Center provides activity space for student organizations and clubs and serves as home for the Student Government Association, the Intercultural Center, the Women’s Center, the Campus Activity Board, and the Student Activities Office.
The contractor for the Student Center project was Newfield Construction, Inc., Hartford; the construction administrator was A/Z Corporation, Ledyard; and the architect was Svigal’s + Partners Architects, New Haven.
Eastern Connecticut State University is part of the Connecticut State University (CSU) system and is the state’s public liberal arts university. ECSU serves more than 5,000 students each year on its Willimantic campus.
It is the policy of Eastern Connecticut State University to ensure equal access to its events. If you are an individual with a disability and will need accommodations for this event, please contact the Office of University Relations at (860) 465-5735.
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