Student Union sports new looks, new features inside and out
- Drew Sterwald
- Student success
- Contributors: James Greco, Photos
4 – minute read
The campus community turned out March 17 for a ribbon-cutting celebration marking the completion of renovations designed to provide a more dynamic atmosphere and more gathering spaces for students and visitors at the Cohen Student Union.
“The Cohen Student Union is the heart of our institution,” FGCU President Aysegul Timur noted in welcoming guests in the new atrium. “This is the place where the Eagle community comes together. This is where the students gather together between classes or sometimes when they’re off. This is a place where students meet and form great friendships. This is where networking is happening, where organizations are meeting. This is where faculty and staff are meeting.”
“Bold and spacious” is how she described the latest renovations, the second of three planned phases. The project enclosed the outdoor area between Einstein Bros. Bagels and the recently renovated food court. The façade of the two-story glass-fronted atrium is topped with a dramatic swath of FGCU blue.
Indoors, school colors and logos add visual appeal to light-filled spaces. Visitors are greeted by a seating area and a relocated information booth. A newly constructed, blue-paneled staircase leads to the second floor, where three conference-style rooms create a more collaborative workspace for students. The second floor also includes a new seating area overlooking the first floor.
Timur acknowledged the contributions of RG Architects, Owen-Ames-Kimball Co., a committee of 11 FGCU department representatives and Student Government leaders involved in the process of bringing the project to life.
“Our students provided incredible input for this place,” she said. “We listened to you.”
Outdoors, the lawn area between the student union and McTarnaghan Hall has been expanded and enhanced. Student Government played a key role in developing the project in response to students wanting additional places to gather. It features a turf lawn usable in all weather, new furniture designed to create a welcoming environment and space for food trucks.
Gianna Ihuoma, Student Government president, credited past and current student leaders for their commitment to improving the student experience for the next Eagle generations.
“Today is about more than just opening a new space on campus,” she said at the ribbon cutting. “It’s about celebrating what can happen when students come together with a shared vision to make our university an even better place to call home.”
