Utah Valley University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday to commence the construction of the new Student Life and Wellness Building and Parking Structure.
The four-story Student Life and Wellness Building will accommodate students with fitness areas, study and reflection rooms, Student Life offices and the Wellness center, while the six-level Parking Structure will serve as a staple for the commuting students.
'This structure will provide an anchor point for students on what is traditionally considered to be a commuter campus,' said UVU President Matthew S. Holland in a press release, concerning the Student Life and Wellness Building. 'Research shows that the more students are engaged with campus life, the more likely they are to reach their educational goals. It will be another symbol of UVU's commitment to student success.'
Both facilities will be completed in 2013 -- the Parking Structure in July, and the Student Life and Wellness Building in December.
'We want to provide a collegiate atmosphere that students can have as their own,' said Bob Rasmussen, dean of students and associate vice president of student life, in the same press release. 'This building is part of UVU's program to retain students until they complete their degrees, build school spirit and enhance our existing alumni base.'
The pair of structures will be stationed adjacent to the northern end of the Sorensen Student Center and will result in the enlargement of UVU's campus by 323,494 square feet.
Cory Duckworth, UVU vice president of student affairs, explained the addition of the facilities marks the beginning of a new era for UVU students, continuing that particularly the Student Life and Wellness Building will inspire students to stay active, relieve stress or simply socialize.
Rasmussen pointed out that not only will the buildings be visually stunning, but they will also be highly accessible for students, drawing 3,000 to 5,000 on a daily basis.
The public groundbreaking ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m. and will include remarks from the university's administration.