It’s almost done.
The much-anticipated event center has entered its final stage of construction and will open this week as the Searle Center.
“It all came together, and we will have a beautiful and useful building ready to contribute to the great atmosphere here,” Vice President for Administration Rich Péwé said.
As was expected at the conception of the renovation, the building will seat 700 for meals in a new dining hall. The center’s purpose is primarily to provide a new venue for larger events which Phillips Auditorium and the Dow Leadership Center could not handle.
Starting this year, several existing college events will be moved to the new venue, and a few more events will be added to take full advantage of the opportunities the Searle Center offers.
Director of Student Affairs Anthony Manno has already booked the new center for the President’s Ball, an annual formal dance typically held at the Howard Music Building that is organized and sponsored by the Student Activities Board.
“My hope is that it will allow us more space to transform the room into the atmosphere we envision,” Manno said. “I also hope there will be a natural draw to the Searle Center from students which will further boost attendance.”
Dinners and special events related to the Center for Constructive Alternatives seminars will be moved to the Searle Center, although the lectures will remain in the Biermann Athletic Center until the completion of future renovations of Phillips Auditorium.
“The functionality of the Searle Center will make it a great venue for the dinners and other events throughout each CCA,” Director of Programs for External Affairs Matthew Bell said.
As the Searle Center’s completion nears, Péwé and his staff have set their eyes on the future of the college’s development. Campus projects in planning include renovations of Mauck Hall, further upgrades to the hotel rooms of the Dow Leadership Center hotel, and breaking ground on the campus chapel, which Péwé hopes could occur as soon as this fall.