Falcon Center Dedication Is Sept. 20

The Fairmont State community will gather at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, for the Dedication Ceremony for the Falcon Center.

Campus officials and student leaders will give remarks and participate in a ribbon-cutting, followed by a reception with refreshments and giveaways. The general public is invited to attend and should park in the Parking Garage. Signs will direct guests to the location of the ceremony. Those attending should also bring or wear walking shoes so they can try out the exercise equipment or walk on the walking track.

“This event commemorates a major accomplishment in the history of Fairmont State, as well as the promise of continued growth for both Fairmont State University and Fairmont State Community & Technical College” said FSU President Daniel J. Bradley.

“We are proud to be able to provide such a wonderful new facility for the use of our students, faculty and staff. If you haven’t been inside the Falcon Center yet, we encourage you to stop by and take a tour on September 20.”

Construction of the building began in 2003 with the demolition of the former Dining Hall. The building’s fitness area, track, pool, sauna, whirlpool and gyms have been open since January 2005. A lot of progress on the building’s other facilities was made over the summer of 2005.

The main floor of the building features the four-lane lap pool, whirlpool and sauna, locker rooms, four large gymnasiums, the front desk and office space.

“It’s a fun place to work,” said Robin Yeager, Director of the Falcon Center. “I’ve enjoyed the challenge of opening the new building and seeing everything come together. So far, the students I’ve talked with are really happy with the new facility. Students come first, it is their center.”

The second floor includes the fitness equipment area, the Fairmont State Bookstore, an informal eating area called the “Nickel” and a “Main Street” area featuring seating for 200 at low tables and high tables with bar stools that overlook a gym on the first floor.

“It’s a beautiful, brighter, much more open area, which is also easier to access for students,” said Peggy Frum, Manager for FS Bookstore. “We’re able to display merchandise much better here. We invite everyone to come and visit us and see all the new products we’ve introduced since we’ve moved.”

The third floor houses the FS Copy Center, Campus Security Office and the Dining Hall, which can seat 500 and features a spacious patio for eating outdoors. The entire building is completely wireless and features satellite radio capabilities.

“The layout of our area is more efficient than in our previous campus location, and it’s wonderful to be in a more central place to help us provide better service,” said Georgeann Cain, Office Manager for the FS Copy Center. “We provide black and white and color copies and finishing processes for the entire campus, including students.”

Work is still being completed on a conference area and additional office space in the Falcon Center. For more information on the building or services it offers, visit www.fairmontstate.edu.