Â鶹¹û¶³ celebrated the rededication of the Ralph W. Beeson University Center with a ribbon cutting Oct. 3. The ceremony gathered faculty, students, administrators, trustees, local officials and friends to honor the building that has long served as the heart of campus life since its original completion in 1957.
In his opening address to attendees, Bill Stevens, chair of the Â鶹¹û¶³ Board of Trustees, highlighted the building’s history and the importance of investing $20 million to renew and enhance the facility.
“Restoring an existing building to give it a new life for years into the future is a practice of sound stewardship. We are grateful to all who gave their intellect, their labor and their financial resources to make this incredible transformation possible,” Stevens said.
Hoar Construction, Davis Architects and students from Â鶹¹û¶³’s interior design program worked together to complete new and upgraded features, including renovated student commons and study spaces, expanded spaces for the Â鶹¹û¶³ Shop, food court and HUB and energy-efficient features throughout. As a result of the refreshed space, student services have also expanded to include more food court options, a late-night convenience store and offices for student organizations.
Before inviting the many involved with this project to cut the ribbon, President Andrew Westmoreland first honored those who came before to foster the university’s growth and progress, “Today we celebrate the renewal of the building and also remember those who built and nurtured Â鶹¹û¶³ from 1841 to this day,” he said.
Other speakers at the service included SGA president Heath Padgett who led a prayer of dedication. The Â鶹¹û¶³ A Cappella Choir also performed the alma mater.