Campus celebrates Bietz Center construction

Beitz Celebration. Photo by Estefania Sanchez. David Smith, Marty Hamilton.

On Oct. 25, on the McKee Library patio, there was a construction celebration of the Bietz Center for Student Life. Students, staff, alumni and construction workers were present, as well as President David Smith.

After a brief question-and-answer session about the progress and delays of the Bietz Student Center, those present were able to sign a plate that will be attached to a steel beam in the building’s framework.

According to Associate Vice President Marty Hamilton, concrete is now up on the third floor and second floor concrete will be put up this week, as well as framing on the second floor. Hamilton, who was at the event on Friday, said part of the delay in construction has been due to weather.

There have been two focus groups from students who have graduated regarding what it is they want to see in the new student center, as stated by Hamilton.

He said, “Current students are more than welcome to give their input as well.”

Regarding the significance of the event, President David Smith said, “I think it’s important to have milestones that allow you to celebrate it and anticipate it, and I think that [the ceremony] was a great opportunity with the alumni coming in and students here, employees here, to celebrate where we are with the building. We can see the end in sight. It’s going to happen, we are looking forward to it.”

According to Hamilton, the administration’s mission is to have the Bietz Center be Southern’s “Living Room.”

After a brief question-and-answer session about the progress and delays of the Bietz Student Center, those present were able to sign a plate that will be attached to a steel beam in the building’s framework.

According to Associate Vice President Marty Hamilton, concrete is now up on the third floor and second floor concrete will be put up this week, as well as framing on the second floor. Hamilton, who was at the event on Friday, said part of the delay in construction has been due to weather.

There have been two focus groups from students who have graduated regarding what it is they want to see in the new student center, as stated by Hamilton.

He said, “Current students are more than welcome to give their input as well.”

Regarding the significance of the event, President David Smith said, “I think it’s important to have milestones that allow you to celebrate it and anticipate it, and I think that [the ceremony] was a great opportunity with the alumni coming in and students here, employees here, to celebrate where we are with the building. We can see the end in sight. It’s going to happen, we are looking forward to it.”

According to Hamilton, the administration’s mission is to have the Bietz Center be Southern’s “Living Room.”

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