Getting to the hub of it

“FINALLY, NEW STUDENT LIFE CENTER ON DRAWING BOARD.” That was the headline on the front page of the March 27, 2003, News-Register.

There were plans for a lounge, stage, game area and a laptop workspace with a “Starbucks-type atmosphere.”

A blueprint was drawn up by the Murex Group in Dallas, plans that included a pool table, game room, TV/Media area, computer graphics area and more.

Before presenting it to Murex, North Lake’s Student Government Association members worked hard to develop what they believed to be an area that would build community, celebrate diversity and develop leadership.

But that was almost three years ago, and the only space that’s being taken up by the Student Life Center is the wall in SPAR where the blueprint is hanging.

The money that was earmarked for the center is still in Fund 12, the vice-president of business services confirmed at a meeting earlier this semester, so that can’t be the problem.

The student population is on the rise, so the demand is even higher to provide an atmosphere of professional, social and cultural programs.

So just what is the problem? Ask anyone connected to this project and they’ll tell you it’s SPACE.

The 2003 blueprint was drawn up utilizing the space in H-200. But a leaky roof in the old library area put a damper on the move.

The News-Register hopes that the new Student Government Association officers will continue the efforts set forth by their predecessors to provide a communal hub on campus where concern for the whole student is met on all levels, academically, socially, spiritually, physically, emotionally and professionally.

We don’t like to see our students sleeping on cement. They need a hub.