Apply Now!

News

Featured Story

 

A Contemporary, Enhanced SMC

Date:Monday, October 12, 2009

Groundbreaking ceremonies are scheduled for Saturday, October 24, at the Student Memorial Center (SMC), where a $35 million renovation and addition project has been underway since summer 2009. The October groundbreaking is an opportunity for students to participate in the celebration. 

 "We want students to be a part of this wonderful, historic moment in the life of Millersville University," said Dr. Aminta Breaux, vice president of student affairs.  "The renovations will give students a more contemporary venue for the wide variety of activities that currently take place in older facilities such as Brooks or Pucillo Gyms.  There will be more space for individual and group activities for recreation--including intramurals and club sports and students will have the opportunity for a pick-up game of basketball or to get on a treadmill and use other fitness equipment because of the expanded fitness and weight areas.  Additionally, students will have space carved out for studying outside of the library that allows for small informal meetings."

 The SMC renovations will include a clock tower with three faces: one facing north, one facing west and one facing east.  Original plans called for a sports education center along Frederick.  Instead, it was decided to expand the SMC to include the facilities that had earlier been projected for the center.  This summer, in preparation for the work, the SMC parking lot was moved further down Shenks Lane.

 "The renovations will enhance student life on campus by giving students a greater opportunity to engage with each other in a space that is designed for them," said Breaux.  "The street level of the SMC will have carved-out lounge areas, and with the entire building being wireless students could easily set up their laptopa or just hang out, listen to their IPods, surf the Net, or check their email during a break time.  We also hope that these new venues will offer the opportunity for students to engage with faculty who may also opt to use the fitness areas or to take a break to eat in the newly renovated Galley, or just sit and read in one of the lounge areas before the next class."
 The project is being funded through a bond referendum approved by students in February of 2007, and work is expected to be completed by the end of 2011.

 "The SMC has served the students well over the years, but students today have different interests and needs than the students of 20 years ago, and the Student Senate of two years ago recognized the need," explained Breaux.  "By having a groundbreaking ceremony we hope to celebrate the commitment of our students to support their alma mater.  Those students knew when they voted for the renovations, that they would not have the opportunity to benefit from the renovations, but they recognized a need and they did what they thought was best to improve the lives of students who would come to Millersville in the future."

Other News