Ribbon Cutting Slated for Student Activity and Recreation Center Thursday

University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby will be among several special guests at a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Gordon State College Student Activity and Recreation Center.

The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 19 followed by tours of the 55,000 square foot facility.

Guests will be welcomed by current Student Government Association President Ornella Oluwole. Also expected to attend are USG Regent Dr. Tommy Hopkins as well as past SGA presidents Rachel Adams-French, Chris Childress, and Anni Skurja.

The SARC anchors the northeast side of campus at College Drive and Highlander Way and is adjacent to Alumni Memorial Hall. Built in 1963, Alumni Memorial Hall will remain a part of Gordon's vibrant campus.

Gordon students have been involved in development of the SARC from the very beginning. Student government representatives visited student centers on other campuses, were involved in its design and approved funding for the facility.

"This is the work of several generations of student government members," said Skurja who was SGA president during the initial discussion about the building.

Skurja commended Gordon staff for making sure the building reflected what the students wanted on campus.

"I'm so excited to see the building finished," added Skurja who was present at the January 2014 groundbreaking.

Visitors will enter the SARC through a spacious lobby/lounge area. Straight ahead is an arena with bleacher-style seating for 2,100. The arena is designed to also accommodate a stage area, seating for 550 on the floor and can be divided to allow for multiple activities at one time. At one end of the arena are large screens that can be used for messaging as well as other student events. Highlander basketball games will be held in the arena.

The SARC also contains a cardio area and weight room with the most up-to-date equipment. Nearby is a game room containing both table games as well as a room dedicated to digital gaming.

There is a multi-purpose room, a food court/lounge area as well as a food service-prep area that will be operated by Sodexo, Gordon's food service provider.

An office and a meeting room for the Student Government Association as well as offices for student activities personnel are also a part of the building.

The public is invited to attend the event. Parking for visitors attending the ribbon cutting will be available in the Student Lot at the corner of Highlander Way and College Drive.