Work in Progress: CCU’s Student Union nears completion
By Alexandra Morris
Debbie Conner recalls Bob Squatriglia talking about his dream of a state-of-the-art student union some 10 years ago when he was vice president of student affairs, the position Conner now holds.
“Now, President [David] DeCenzo and our board of trustees have made student community space a priority,” says Conner.
By 2013, construction for the Student Union building had begun, and by Jan. 12 of 2015, students should be enjoying the fruits of that plan.
The Lib Jackson Student Center has been the building where student organization offices, a game room and the CINO Grille were housed. Parts of that building will remain, such as the CINO Grille, but the rest is being renovated and expanded to create an entire new facility that will be known as the Jackson Student Union.
The first floor of the building will feature a 225-set movie theater auditorium with a removable stage and surround-sound system; a convenience store; a recreation room with pool tables, games and a lounge; a multicultural center; an international center; multiple study rooms; office support spaces; new elevators and an outdoor patio and stage area for events. The second floor will house student organization spaces, the Career Services Center offices, a 100-seat meeting room, and three additional meeting and study rooms.
“The new building is going to add a new dimension to student life at CCU,” says Whitney Comer, executive director of student life. “While there are currently a limited number of areas for students to hang out and be social, the Jackson Student Union will become a hub of social activity.”
Faculty and staff will also be able to utilize and enjoy the new structure. The Fraternity and Sorority Life Office, New Student and Family Programs, Aramark, Student Life, Career Services, Multicultural Student Services, International Students and the Office of Veteran Services will move there.
Student body president Eliana Padrón worked in the Student Government Association office in the old building and believes the new structure will generate a positive change for the department. “I think the new building will allow for more visibility for the SGA office because right now it is a bit hidden away,” says Padrón. “More visibility means more access and more foot traffic to SGA. This will allow us to reach out to more students.”
Junior marketing student Jada Bynum is looking forward to the building’s grand opening. “I think the facility will allow students the opportunity to connect with each other. I am happy our campus will have another avenue for us students to connect.”
Comer says she and her staff are excited to see the Jackson Student Union become a place central to the college experience of students. “We hope to infuse the entire building with student art, photography and even their music. It is an exciting time, and we hope everyone will come for the grand opening in January.”
