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Since Aug. 26, 2016, the Adron Doran University Center (ADUC) has been bustling almost daily with noise, foot traffic and activity – but that hasn’t been coming from students. Nearly two years ago, MSU broke ground on a $49.5 million project to renovate and expand the facility. Now that construction is nearing completion, student services will relocate to the space in late summer and ADUC will celebrate a grand re-opening at Homecoming in October.
Kim Oatman, assistant vice president for facilities and operations, said the original 126,000 square-feet of the building is being renovated and an additional 71,000 square-feet is being added. Some of ADUC’s new features include a campus pub and lounge area, 100-seat theater and a new ballroom capable of seating 600 people. Decorative touches include an atrium and a landscaped plaza with tiered walks and picnic tables near Lappin Hall. Dining options from Aramark, Chick-fil-A and Starbucks will be reopening and ADUC will add three more popular restaurant chains in the form of Steak ‘n Shake, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Which Wich Superior Sandwiches.
The interior of ADUC will be improved for students, and the names of some of the facility’s spaces show alumni’s commitment to student success. Recognition opportunities for donors who gave to the the Alumni & Welcome Center have been identified in ADUC and their contributions, as well as all other private support, have been directed to scholarships and support for recruitment, retention and degree completion.
Nearly $3 million in commitments was secured for the former building project and that funding has now been directed to scholarships. The gifts of 840 donors have been redirected to provide financial aid for future students. Through this process, 27 new scholarships have been created and these will either be sustained annually by the donors or endowed perpetually.
Additionally, 24 previously existing scholarship funds grew from the re-designation of these contributions.
“Our alumni donors have strongly embraced this change and are excited for the opportunity to help generations of future Eagles while receiving prominent recognition in a familiar building that was their home while they were students,” said Mindy Clark Highley (91), assistant vice president for alumni relations and development. Wilma “Willi” Walker, alumna/donor and MSU Foundation Board member stated, “This is a tremendous idea that will have substantial impact on so many students and ADUC is going to be a spectacular gathering place for not only those students, but all alumni and friends of MSU.”
