Anonymous donor gives students a place of their own
by Nancy Allen and Christy Kincade

Virginia Wesleyan College has received a $10 million grant for the construction of a new student center from an anonymous donor.

Said President William T. Greer Jr., “This gift would be a defining gift for any college or university, and it certainly is that for Virginia Wesleyan. While there are always many physical needs on any campus, the facility that this money will make possible is the most critical need we have. To say we are grateful and appreciative to the donor is a tremendous understatement.”

The announcement was made at the college’s Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, October 21. This is the largest single gift in the college’s history and it will provide the major portion of the funding for the project.

The firm of Standmar Inc. of Sudbury, Mass., has been chosen as the architect for the Student Center. They have extensive experience in designing multipurpose student center/recreational/athletic facilities for colleges and universities.

“We hope to begin construction in early 1999,” said Jim Bergdoll, vice president for college relations and development. “It will certainly take more than a year. We anticipate completion by late fall of 2000 or early 2001.”

The first step in the project will be the pre-design phase. Representatives from Standmar will be on campus soon to begin talking to students, faculty and staff about what they would like to see in the new Student Center.

“They will listen to anybody and everybody who will come to talk,” said Dean of Students David Buckingham. “We’re not sure when they will be here, but it will be as soon as possible.”

Although there are no set plans for what will be in the building, students have been able to discuss ideas about components to be included in the building through organizations such as SGA and Residence Hall Association.

“We have talked about a pool, space for groups such as publications and SGA,” said Buckingham. “We’ve talked about a gym that can be divided, a climbing wall, racquetball courts and a juice bar. It’s going to have a very positive impact on all students.”

Students are also anticipating the completion of the Student Center.

“I’m so excited and I hope it’s done before I graduate,” said sophomore Cindy Dixon. “I’d like it to have a pool, a better weight room with new equipment, a jacuzzi and all-night snack bar.”

Senior Kevin Thomas said, “I believe the new Student Center will definitely help out the retention rate. It will be attractive to current and new students.”

“Picture this,” said Buckingham, “there will be lots of people walking and talking. Maybe one wall is all glass— we see a pool where people in inner tubes are playing polo. Or perhaps we’re sitting in soft, comfortable chairs sipping cappuccino as we watch people run on the elevated track. There will be something to do at 8 a.m. or 8p.m. It’s going to be awesome! It will be a happening place.”

One possible location will be to wrap around the existing gym and campus center.

“It’s on option,” said Bergdoll, “but we’re waiting for advice from the firm.”

Senior Chris Cornell said, “It will be a place for all students to come together and socialize rather than sitting in their rooms watching TV.”

“The facilities have been much needed and are long overdue,” said junior John Goode.