GROUNDBREAKING FOR MUCH ANTICIPATED STUDENT CENTER TO BE HELD ON FEB. 9

Texas A&M University at Commerce issued the following news release:

Groundbreaking for the much anticipated $25.4 million Sam Rayburn Memorial Student Center at Texas A&M University-Commerce is set for Friday, Feb. 9.

The public is invited to the 11 a.m. ceremony at the construction site located east of the Science Building across from West Neal Street.

In case of rain or cold weather, the event will be moved inside the foyer of the Science Building.

Immediately following the ceremony, everyone is invited to a reception at the current student center.

At the reception, there will be refreshments and entertainment by students and student organizations. These activities will be in the Main Hall and Founder's Lounge on the second floor.

Those attending the reception can find out about the new building by viewing a large 6 by 15-foot display featuring perspectives of the new facility. Building design is by Gideon Toal and WTW Architects. Contractor is Satterfield & Pontikes.

Rick Miller, student center director, said he is "very excited" that students will have a new building to call their own in less than two years.

The Feb. 9 festivities represent a "major milestone" in the progression of the project, said interim Dean of Students Brian Nichols.

Seven years ago, Nichols met with A&M-Commerce President Keith McFarland for the first time to discuss the need for a better gathering place for the student body.

Nichols said the planning has progressed from looking at needs, options, and concepts to a 92,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility.

Major renovation work is needed on the current student center and it was determined that construction of a new building is more cost effective.

The new student center will be more than a place for students to go between and after classes.

Representing A&M-Commerce students, Student Body President Amber Ramoz said, "Everybody is extremely excited about the groundbreaking and construction of the new building."

The Dallas senior said she thinks the new building will "bring students together in one place for dining, entertainment, and studying."

"It will be a cool hangout place," Ramoz said.

Wills Point senior Justin D. Cox, who serves as president of Breakout Entertainment which sponsors events for the university community and the public, said the new building will give student organizations a "better outlet for hosting events that reflect their interest."

A student manager at the student center, Cox predicts that the new building will boost student participation in campus activities.

A group of students, faculty, and staff had input into the plans for the new building, said Emily Shipman, coordinator of Student Organizations.

"Not only will the new student center have a student club, an expanded student organization suite, an Einstein Bros Bagels shop, and wireless internet throughout, the new facility will be open from 7 a.m. until midnight so our students can gather and enjoy these new features for more hours each day," Shipman said.

"Our campus community should be prepared to be wowed by this new campus 'living room,'" she said.