Wednesday, March 26, 2008

A ceremony and major announcement celebrating the grand re-opening of the University Union and Burney Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 27 between the University Union building and the Fisher Student Center.

Speakers at the event will include Chancellor Rosemary DePaolo, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Pat Leonard and Dan Thorpe, president of the Student Government Association. North Carolina State Senator John Burney, for whom the Burney Center is named, will be a special guest.

Media are invited to attend and cover this event. The ceremony will last approximately 20 minutes.

WHEN: 11 a.m., Thursday, March 27, 2008

WHERE: Between the University Union and the Fisher Student Center on the UNC Wilmington campus

WHAT: Ceremony and major announcement celebrating the grand re-opening of the University Union and Burney Center

PHOTO OPS:

• Speakers, including Chancellor DePaolo and president of Student Government Association
• Inside of refurbished buildings—tours will be available

The renovated Burney Center includes a 9,300 square foot ballroom with five different space configurations. The facility will seat 600 guests for a banquet and 1,000 guests auditorium style. It includes a large lobby area, two "green" rooms, an events support office, excellent lighting and sound systems, and a spacious catering prep area.

The University Union includes a greatly expanded Hawk's Nest dining area, three new meeting rooms, the Ann Flack Boseman Art Gallery, a convenience store and open, spacious seating areas in which students can eat, study and socialize. It also includes offices for Student Media, the Upperman African American Cultural Center, the Career Center, the Center for Leadership Education and Service, the Dean of Students office and Campus Life administrative offices. These offices have been housed in modular units in the parking lot in front of the Fisher Student Center during the Union renovation.

Media contact:

Dana Fischetti, director of news and media relations for UNCW, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu