Friday’s weather can’t dampen spirit of celebration as Upper Iowa University cuts ribbon at Student Center
FAYETTE, Iowa (September 16, 2011) — Chill winds and drizzle couldn’t dampen the spirits at Upper Iowa University Friday, September 16, as the University officially opened its new Student Center in front of a capacity crowd. Although the weather forced the event inside the $16.3 million dollar facility, faculty, staff, students, alumni, special guests, and community members enjoyed the grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremonies, a reception and tours of the nearly 60,000 square foot building.
Speakers included UIU President Alan G. Walker, Board Chair Bob Firth, Dean of Student Development Louise Stivers-Scott, ARAMARK Representative Trevor Ferguson, Student Government Association President Anthony DiJohn, and Wendell Snodgrass, vice president of advancement, development and alumni relations.
In addition, both state Senator Brian Schoenjahn and state Representative Roger Thomas presented UIU with Certificates of Recognition from the Iowa State Senate and Iowa State House of Representatives, respectively. Representative Thomas also presented President Walker with an Iowa flag that was flown over the State Capitol this month as a special recognition of the University.
Thomas laughed that there were so many grand openings occurring at Upper Iowa University that he was getting confused. President Walker agreed, adding: “Come back next year, same time, for the opening of the next new buildings!”
UIU has completed three buildings on campus and one in downtown Fayette in the past year, and is currently embarked on its first-ever capital campaign that has raised $19.5 million of its $25 million goal, which will fund additional construction, special projects, endowment, and support the annual fund.
Speakers all acknowledged the need for the Student Center and expressed their gratitude to the partnerships that made it possible.
The 58,862-square-foot Student Center houses a variety of student services and community spaces. The Commons is the central dining and gathering place immediately adjacent to food services operated by ARAMARK. The Office of Student Development has a suite of office spaces, meeting spaces and locations for student organizations on the second floor. In addition, there is a multi-functional ballroom, which can be used as separate spaces or a single room. It has already been the site of several weddings and catered events. Also located on the second floor are a student leadership center, quiet lounge and game room. The Peacock Connection is located downstairs and offers textbooks and UIU logo merchandise. The Hub, immediately at the building’s entrance, offers a source of one-stop information about the University. Computer kiosks are available throughout the building.
- A photo gallery on Flickr has followed construction of the Student Center and is available at www.flickr.com/photos/upperiowauniversity/sets/72157625011583664/
- For more information about Upper Iowa University, go to www.uiu.edu.
Contact:
Monica Bayer Heaton
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
Phone: 563-425-5773
Cell: 515-291-2070
heatonm@uiu.edu
About Upper Iowa University
Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to nearly 6,800 students—nationally and internationally—at its Fayette campus and learning centers worldwide. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and independent study. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.