Source: Dennis Kuhlman, 785-826-2601, dkuhlman@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Abigail Crouse, 785-826-2642, acrouse@sal.ksu.edu
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
K-STATE AT SALINA CAN PROCEED WITH CONSTRUCTION OF NEW STUDENT LIFE CENTER
SALINA -- Kansas State University at Salina has received state approval to start construction of the campus' new $5.9 million Student Life Center.
The center, scheduled to open in July 2009, will provide a place for students and members of the Salina community to meet, develop leadership skills, maintain physical health and promote academic achievement.
It will include a basketball gymnasium, racquetball/handball courts, a cardiovascular area, free weights, aerobic/fitness areas, a second-level running track, administrative offices and ample relaxation areas.
The need for the student center was initiated more than 20 years ago -- before K-State at Salina existed. In the mid-1980s the Kansas Technical Institute began to explore plans of a constructing a student hub on campus and developed a campus master plan. The master plan continued to grow and change through the institute's merger with K-State in 1991. When Dennis Kuhlman was appointed dean of K-State at Salina in 1997, he advanced the discussion and began to actively pursue the creation of a student life center.
"We have put a great deal of time and effort into planning, fundraising and constructing the Student Life Center," said Kuhlman. "It has been at the top of my agenda since my arrival at K-State at Salina, and has been the single focus of all fundraising activities since 2003."
Cheney Construction Inc., Manhattan, is the general contractor for the project. As soon as weather allows, soil preparation is expected to begin at the site, which is southeast of the College Center.
"It is fantastic that the construction clock has finally started ticking," Kuhlman said. "Getting phase one started has been a monumental task for the entire K-State at Salina team."