Exalted Movements singers kicked off the groundbreaking for the University Commons in their red “hard” hats. Hundreds of students at Spring Fling donned hard hats and received souvenir “bricks,” taking a moment from their activities to celebrate the new building destined to become a hub of student life. See YouTube video.

“The Commons is a place for us to come together…a special location we don’t have today but we will in just a few short months,” said Dr. Janet Walbert, Vice President for Student Affairs.

“The University Commons has long been a part of our master plan, and it is wonderful to see it begin on such a beautiful day,” said Margaret Wright Steele ’80, Vice Chair of the Arcadia University Board of Trustees. “Great things happen with great leadership, and this is no exception.

Rosemary and Walter Blankley had great vision when they made an historic $1 million gift which laid the foundation for our Campaign today. Our Board Chair, Lois Haber and her husband, Michael, demonstrated their own vision when they lifted our sights with their gift of $5 million to kick off our At Home & In the World Campaign. This leadership was followed by Maddy and Isaac Stein, and many others…I’d like to thank all of you who have already made your commitment to the Campaign…You are making the difference for today’s student and those who will follow.”

President Jerry Greiner described an experience he first came to Arcadia and listened in on a campus tour. “One of the students asked a tour guide, ‘Where is your student center?’ That was to me a very telling experience and told me how important it was for students to have this kind of gathering space, this kind of space where they can gather together and meet with each other and enjoy the experience of being on a college campus.”

The Chronicle of Higher Education Building and Grounds Shop Talk for Friday, April 23, led with an illustration of the new University Commons and a link to the Bulletin article. Read the Chronicle.

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