UNCW Celebrates Grand Opening of Fisher Student Center
8/24/2006 4:58:49 PM
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Wilmington, N.C. - UNCW students officially opened the doors to the new Herbert and Sylvia Fisher Student Center on Aug. 24 as part of the building's grand opening celebration.
"This building has gone above and beyond what anyone expected. It has added such character to this university," said senior Katie Gurgainus, student body president. "Every detail was structured so that the students' interests were in mind. From the various sitting areas and the double-tinted windows to the spacious bookstore and the new game room, the students' needs have always been a priority."
In 1999, students organized to support the concept of a student center, and they participated in focus groups about the building's design, according to Pat Leonard, vice chancellor for student affairs. In 2000-01, the Student Government Association passed a resolution to recommend a student fee to provide funds to construct the building.
"Imagine students who care enough about their campus to vote to fund a building through student fees, knowing that they will have graduated long before the building is open," Leonard said. "Imagine students who endure the disruption that comes with construction of a facility such as this. I am forever thankful to the students in the classes of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006."
The celebration included recognition of alumni Herbert Fisher, Class of 1953, and Sylvia Fisher, Class of 1950, who established a $2 million endowed fund in May to maintain the student center and enhance its programs. Their contribution to name the Herbert and Sylvia Fisher Student Center is the largest outright gift from individual donors in UNCW history.
"I truly want to thank Mr. and Mrs. Fisher for their donation and continued devotion to UNCW," Gurgainus said.
According to Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, the Fisher Student Center represents the vision that characterizes UNCW students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends. She said the building "has helped make the UNCW experience even better for students today and for future students."
Senior Adam Wade, president of the UNCW Student Ambassadors, said the Fisher Student Center enhances the campus. "It is such a great place for student interaction," he said. "There are so many places for students to hang out together, whether they are in the many lounge spaces, the bookstore or the Varsity Café. I don't think anyone could walk through the building without seeing someone they know."
The Fisher Student Center's amenities include: a larger, two-story bookstore; a 360-seat movie theater; offices for student organizations; more student lounges; a larger game room; a lighted water feature sponsored by the Class of 2006; and the Varsity Café, a dining area named in honor of the Varsity, a grill and soda shop Herbert Fisher formerly owned.
"I feel as if we've come full circle," Leonard said. "Years ago, Herbert and Sylvia Fisher created the first 'student center' - the Varsity, a grill and soda shop that served as the gathering place for Wilmington College students. As the college changed, not only in location, size and name, the gathering place for students changed to the Pub, located on the first floor of James Hall, then it was on to the University Union, and now the circle is complete. Today, we sit outside the Herbert and Sylvia Fisher Student Center."
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Media Contact:
Carolyn Farley, University Union director, (910) 962-7433, for information about the Fisher Student Center, student programs, etc.
UNCW Alumni Give $2 Million to Support New Student Center
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