SLU Salutes Donors & Dedicates Stunning New Student Complex
February 12, 2008
February 12, 2008
Over the past weekend, 175 university trustees, donors, and guests
helped dedicate SLU’s new Student Community Center complex, the
most ambitious construction project at the university’s main campus
in a generation.
The majority of the work on the $21 million, Spanish Mission-style
complex was completed in late October. It was funded largely
through the success of the university’s first comprehensive
fundraising campaign, which set out to raise $15 million for the
complex and other needs. Donors topped that goal and pledged $19.7
million to SLU, a cause for celebration.
"These facilities will be the living room, family room, home
office, and dining room for our students," President Arthur F. Kirk
Jr. told the trustees and guests who gathered for the dedication of
the new Student Community Center complex on Saturday, Feb. 9.
Tom Dempsey, president of Saddlebrook Resorts, and distinguished
former member of the Saint Leo University Board of Trustees,
delivered the keynote speech Saturday after guests had a chance to
tour the new buildings.
The complex is comprised of two buildings sharing a common
courtyard, and is located right at the heart of University’s main
campus. The dramatic architecture redefines the landscape without
detracting from the charm of the surrounding buildings.
The larger of the two new structures in the complex, the actual
Student Community Center, replaces the former McDonald Center
building. The SCC houses the university’s popular dining hall, a
convenience store, a comfortable lounge, and the combination
conference room and special-events dining area where Saturday’s
dinner was held. The names of donors to the project are honored
with a plaque in the lounge.
The SCC’s north face and adjoining patio directly overlook Lake
Jovita. Its southern view flows across the courtyard to the Student
Activities Building, which was created to supply more office and
meeting space for student organizations. The Student Activities
Building also houses the university tutoring center and University
Ministry. The Saint Jude Chapel, a quiet sanctuary open to people
of all faiths, anchors the west end of the building.
University officials also praised donors for helping to fill other
essential needs through their donations to the comprehensive
campaign. Contributions bolstered financial aid to students, paid
for the renovation of older classrooms, and helped meet ongoing
expenses as Saint Leo builds its reputation as one of the nation’s
largest and most innovative Catholic universities.
Contact: David Ostrander, vice president for University
Advancement, at david.ostrander@saintleo.edu or (352)
588-8250
