TAMIU Student Center Sets Formal Dedication Ceremonies

Texas A&M International University's new $17 million Student Center will be dedicated Thursday, May 23 in ceremonies scheduled at 12 noon.

Members of the Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System will be on hand for the formal dedication, as will the anonymous donor who provided a $5 million gift in support of its construction.

The Regents will join local dignitaries for a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a luncheon and then resume a scheduled Regents meeting being held at TAMIU March 23-24.

Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president, said the Center is now the focal point of student life for the campus.

"Like other major universities, the Student Center becomes the University's living room for students. This 99,213 gross square foot facility houses our food services, bookstore, career services, student services offices and more. It's comfortably furnished and has everything from a ballroom for large events to an intimate theatre," he said.

Keck said having the Regents on hand for the formal opening was a special honor.

"For some, this will be their first opportunity to see this dream completed. They all know how important this facility is for us and we look forward to being able to thank them for their support in bringing this to fruition," he noted.

The two-story building features dining areas on two floors, seven lecture halls, three conference rooms, a gameroom, quick-copy center and lobby information center. Offices housed in the complex include Student Health Services, Student Development and Career Services, in addition to Student Government Association offices.

The Center is the latest projected completed in the University's Phase III expansion. Also part of Phase III are the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade, intramural athletic fields and new parking facilities and the Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, now nearing completion.

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services, 326.2180, visit offices in Killam Library 268 or email pais@tamiu.edu

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu