Tuesday, April 11, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC -- The University of North Carolina at Wilmington celebrated completion of its new Student Recreation Center from 4 to 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 11. This 64,000-square-foot building, located at the corner of Price Drive and F Street on the university's campus, houses campus recreation and wellness services operations.

"Educating students about a healthy lifestyle, and to that end providing improved access to indoor and outdoor recreational facilities, is part of our 'whole student' mission," said Chancellor James R. Leutze. "This center is the result of a student mandate. In 1994, the UNCW Student Government Association, acting on behalf of the student body, approved a student fee increase to fund construction of this facility. Our students realize the positive rewards of an active lifestyle and agreed to fee increases designed to build and maintain this center."

Construction of this $8 million facility was fully funded through student fees. The State of North Carolina does not permit state dollars to go into building recreation areas or facilities.

Following grand opening ceremonies, which include a student ribbon cutting, the Student Recreation Center was open for informal tours. A special group exercise class, led by UNCW alumnus Terry Shiver '85, illustrated how this facility will be used. Shiver, who played on the UNCW men's basketball team, was instrumental in the start of the aerobics program.

For more information, contact Rex Pringle, director of campus recreation, at 910/962-3261.