SEMO TO OFFICIALLY OPEN REC CENTER ADDITION

Southeast Missouri State University spent $5 million to expand its Student Recreation Center.

Don Dickerson, president of the school's Board of Regents, says it was money well spent. "I think it is very attractive to students and prospective students," he said.

Southeast will hold a grand opening at 2:30 p.m. today in the new lobby. Dickerson is scheduled to make remarks, as well as university President Dr. Ken Dobbins.

Southeast officials will cut a ribbon, officially opening the expanded center. Southeast's men's basketball team will be practicing and students will be attending an aerobics class during the ceremony.

A reception and tour will follow the ceremony, which is open to the public.

As part of the festivities, the climbing wall in the recreation center will be open to the public from 2-4 p.m. Climbing crew members will be on hand to assist those interested in climbing the wall. A parent or guardian's signature will be required for anyone under the age of 18.

Dickerson said the building project was student driven. Students wanted expanded facilities.

They're getting that thanks to a 38,000-square-foot addition that brings the total square footage of the facility to 90,000. The expanded recreation center is one of the largest in the Midwest for schools the size of Southeast, officials said.

The center includes a new entrance that faces New Madrid Street. The addition will include a new lounge in the main lobby. It will feature a big-screen television, message and bulletin boards, and new furniture.

The expanded center has a 4,290-square-foot weight and exercise room. The addition includes two collegiate-size basketball and volleyball courts. The volleyball courts meet NCAA regulations, which will allow Southeast to host regional and national volleyball tournaments. Added also were a multipurpose room and an aerobic dance studio.

The operation center and entrance have been moved to the new area to emphasize that the center is a student building, said Greg Hansen, assistant director of recreational sports.

The university's wellness program office has been relocated to the east balcony in the center. A small conference room is available for groups and organizations.

L.G. Lauxman, director of recreational sports, said the expanded facility will provide for more scheduling flexibility."We should almost always have a basketball court for students to play," Lauxman said.

Dickerson said the center already gets heavy use from students. The expanded space should make the place even more attractive for students, he said.

It also provides added space for various events, such as Southeast Missouri State University Foundation banquets, Dickerson said.