Lt. Gov. Dewhurst to Dedicate New TAMIU Wellness Center, Break Ground for Student Success Center

Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, State Sen. Judith Zaffirini and Texas A&M University System chancellor Michael D. McKinney will join Texas A&M International University students, faculty, staff and alumni in the dedication of TAMIU's new Kinesiology, Wellness and Recreation Center Monday, Sept. 24 at 11 a.m.

The group will also break ground for the University's new Student Success Center.

The 47,973 square-foot Wellness and Recreation Center has been funded by $12.5 million in tuition revenue bond proceeds and is part of the University's Phase V construction. It was made possible by a tuition revenue bond authorization in the 78th Texas Legislative Session through the leadership of Sen. Zaffirini and Lt. Gov. Dewhurst.

TAMIU President Dr. Ray Keck said that the new wellness facility, which serves as an expansion of the existing Kinesiology-Convocation Building, will provide University students, staff and faculty new opportunities for sports, physical training and recreation.

"As our student population grows, so does the need for a facility that accommodates an expanded range of activities that help strengthen and nourish both the mind and body," Dr. Keck said, "The Kinesiology, Wellness and Recreation Center will allow us to fulfill that need."

The new Center includes an impressive array of activity rooms, as well as classrooms, a kinesiology-testing lab, cardio and circuit training area, free weight area, locker rooms, basketball courts and faculty and staff offices.

Building architects were F&S Partners of Dallas. Construction was by Zachry Construction of San Antonio.

After the ribbon-cutting, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst and other officials will move on to break ground for the new Student Success Center, funded by tuition revenue bond proceeds of $25 million and scheduled for completion in summer 2010.

The Student Success Center will serve to house a wide array of student services including admission, retention, financial aid, scholarship access, testing, First Year Success Programs and special student programs.

Project architects are PBS&J of Austin.

The Center is considered crucial to the University's continued enrollment growth as it focuses on recruitment and retention efforts.

Dewhurst and Zaffirini will also take part in a special luncheon at the University to recognize student recipients of the Mr. South Texas Scholarship and their families.

For further information, please contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326-2180 or visit offices located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.

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