Wesleyan students welcome new student center

SALINA, Kansas, September 3, 2008 – Kansas Wesleyan University is close to completing construction on its student activity center.

The new student activity center is the focus of a multi-million dollar face-lift.

"We expect that it will help us attract students,” said President Phil Kerstetter. “We think it will help us retain students, help with the spirit of community and a connection with the larger community."

It’s a much needed improvement for the 26-acre campus that’s lacked a place for students to gather. But with the new 70,000 square foot facility, they’ll have plenty of room to congregate on campus.

"Our commitment is to making certain we have the programs, services and facilities that students are looking for,” Kerstetter said.

The new student activity center houses many athletic offices, classrooms and training facilities. It caters to a student body in which 90 percent are athletes.

“It'll definitely be a huge boost for school pride,” said student Andrew Kohls. “We've been seeing this construction for months and we're just really ready to see it done."

The building will be completed in one month thanks to money raised by the Alumni Association and a $75,000 donation from Cox Communications.

"We were really interested in what they were doing in terms of trying to build a better experience at the University,” said Kimbery Edmunds, general manager fro Cox Communications Kansas.

That experience includes a new gym, restaurant, student lounge and thank to Cox – wireless Internet.

"We really hope people will see it throughout Kansas and throughout the country and see what a great facility we have and how devoted Wesleyan is to the students,” Kohls said.

Salina looks for volunteers

SALINA, Kansas, September 3, 2008 – The City of Salina is looking for volunteers for its citizen boards.

It’s currently accepting Expression of Interest forms for positions on the heritage commission, planning commission and solid waste management committee.

Those interested can get a form by calling the city clerk’s office at 309-5735.