UI to Hold Dedication Ceremony For New Idaho Commons Building
Monday, April 3 2000
April 3, 2000^^CONTACT: Kathy Barnard, University Communications and Marketing, (208) 885-6291, kbarnard@uidaho.edu ^^MOSCOW-The Idaho Commons, the University of Idaho's new showcase building in the heart of campus, will be officially dedicated at a special outdoor ceremony this Friday, April 7, at 12:30 p.m.^^"The Idaho Commons has only been fully operational for a short time and already it is influencing the culture of campus," said UI President Bob Hoover. "That tells me it was well conceived, designed and built. It quickly has become the vital campus center we had worked toward --a place where people engage in campus life--from meeting for large conferences to studying in small groups, grabbing a bite to eat, sipping on coffee, listening to a band or meeting with a tutor."^^The 40-minute dedication ceremony will include brief remarks by Hoover, U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, Regent Tom Boyd, current ASUI President Bart Cochran and past ASUI President Annie Averitt. Hal Godwin, UI vice president for student affairs, will serve as master of ceremonies. The speakers will provide a project history and explain what the Commons means to students today and in the future.^^A ribbon-cutting ceremony will cap the event. Cochran has been selected to wield the scissors. The dignitaries and audience members then will join the ceremony by cutting more ribbons. Those attending will receive miniature souvenir scissors.^^A celebration dinner will be held Friday from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Idaho Commons' Summit Conference Center to honor alumni and friends who supported the campaign for the Idaho Commons. Current and former students, builders and faculty and staff who also were involved are invited to attend the dinner as well.^^The Commons is located north of the Administration Building. It houses a wide range of programs and offices that serve the campus. All components of the Idaho Commons--from distinctive, quiet study alcoves to displays of artwork--promote the lively exchange of ideas and experiences.^^Some of the building's features include:^^· A total of 18 learning centers for groups ranging from three to 25 can be used for team projects, group study or tutoring.^^· A variety of conference rooms.^^· A light-filled atrium for social events, academic gatherings, exhibitions and noon concerts.^^· Data ports and outlets in all seating areas.^^· Snack shops and eateries with comfortable open-atrium seating.^^· Student government and organization offices in a prominent and centrally located space.^^· An art gallery to showcase student, faculty and alumni work.^^· A majority of student services gathered under one roof allows greater access to broad-based programs students use daily.^^--30-- cc-4/3/00 MISC^
About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho helps students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals. For information, visit www.uidaho.edu.