Thursday, April 06, 2000

WILMINGTON, NC -- The University of North Carolina at Wilmington will celebrate 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, will house 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 will be open for informal tours. A special group exercise class, led by UNCW alumnus Terry Shiver, will illustrate how this facility will be used.

Note to the media: You are invited to cover the center's opening ceremonies, which are primarily for the university community. For more information, contact Rex Pringle, director of campus recreation, at 910/962-3261.