KresLynn Knouse, Assistant News Editor, @kreslynn
Photos by Laura Fox
Confetti cannons, a huge crowd, a jazz ensemble and percussion featuring the green man group- what more could UVU’s biggest celebration of the year need? Oh, that’s right, more cowbell.
The crowd erupted into cheers and cowbell ringing while Student Body President Jono Andrews and successor Tyler Brklacich burst through the ribbon of the new Student Life and Wellness Center on Thursday.
“This center is a game-changer for our institution that’s putting UVU on the right track to more pride on campus, to be more spiritual-minded, and physically fit,” Andrews said.
The student leaders represented previous and current students as they raced against each other in a broadcasted obstacle course that showcased the center’s amenities. Andrews and Brklacich bowled, climbed, and dashed until they broke the ribbon and marked the grand opening of the center.
The opening follows more than 22 months of labor and years of planning and coordination from the administration, past and current members of UVUSA, GSBS Architects and Jacobsen Construction.
“We collaborated to deliver this project which changes the fabric of this very campus,” Jacobsen Construction Executive Vice President John Fortuna said. “This facility will change the lives, the well-being, and as a result, the academic achievements of the students.”
President Holland paid special tribute to Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Bob Rasmussen and Student Affairs VP Cory Duckworth, whom he referred to as the ‘batman and robin’ of the project. The student affairs representatives along with numerous other faculty and staff put hundreds of hours into planning, preparing, and unveiling the new center.
After the ribbon cutting, audience members were invited to participate in a wide array of festivities held in the center. Events included black light bowling and volleyball, a climbing wall challenge, glow mocktails, and healthy food samples at the demonstration kitchen.
Students are invited to attend the open house on April 18th that will feature similar events and activities held all day long. The center undoubtedly brings a whole new spectrum of fitness, interconnectivity, and entertainment to UVU and the community.
