SVU to renovate student center
using donated funds
Southern Virginia University plans to renovate its nearly 70-year-old student center.
(DREW SCARANTINO / Rockbridge Report)
Thanks to a donation of almost $1 million, Southern Virginia University will start renovations to its Student Union Feb. 1.
The donor is a friend of the university who wishes to remain anonymous, said Burke Olsen, director of university communications. The donation was announced Jan. 11.
The donor wanted to "help create an inviting and enticing space for students on campus," said Olsen. "The donation will help us to upgrade the building and make it a place for students to have somewhere to hang out, grab a bite to eat, watch TV, or have student organization meetings as well."
The student union, built in 1939, is a colonial-style red brick building in the center of campus. It houses a dance studio, a recreational swimming pool, a big screen TV, two pingpong tables, a foosball table, some vending machines and two lounges.
"I can't say it's packed every night, but students definitely hang out there," said sophomore Cimone Hoeft.
Joe Bouchelle, associate dean of students, helped design the initial proposal and said the goal of the renovations is to increase student activities and traffic through the building.
During the renovation, more open space will be created by covering the pool. The new student union will house a new café and an expanded game room, as well as create more office and lounge space. The university bookstore will also be moved to the union.
"We're trying to get more things that the students would be attracted to," said Bouchelle.
Several SVU students said they were looking forward to the improved building, although there is some concern that the pool will be covered.
"I'm excited about it," said freshman Morgan Jones. "My roommate's the only person I've heard upset about it, and that's because she likes swimming."
The money will also go toward replacing the roof and windows, upgrading heating and air conditioning and adding an elevator.
The student union renovation is one of many projects that SVU has undertaken since 1996 when a new board of trustees took over the previous university in Buena Vista and shifted the focus of the school to the Latter-Day Saints community.
In the last 11 years, SVU has grown from 70 students to nearly 700. Olsen said the university's strategic plan states that enrollment will increase to 1000 students in the next five years.
To match the student growth, the university has undertaken many projects for expansion, including a new dormitory for 200 students and improved heating and cooling systems in existing buildings.
The student union renovations should be completed by the end of the calendar year.
"Economically, the [expansion of SVU] has had a great impact on the town," said Olsen.
According to a university study, SVU's economic impact on Buena Vista was greater than $17 million in 2005-06.
With expected future growth, an ever-greater impact on the local economy as well as on student life is expected.
"I think [the renovated student union] will be good for the school because I think when people visit here, it's sometimes underwhelming," said Jones. "I think that when they come and there's a nice place to hang out and enjoy yourself, it'll be an improvement and make more people want to come here."
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