Marion-Morrow Times

The Ohio State University - Marion issued the following announcement on Oct. 22.

Built in 1986, the Alber Student Center on the Marion campus is currently undergoing its first major renovation in nearly 35 years.

Renovations began July of 2020, with an anticipated completion date of December 2020, just in time to reopen for spring semester 2021.

According to Ohio State Marion Director of Facilities and Maintenance, Ron Turner shared that the renovated building will provide students with a new café and dining area. The current fitness area will be expanded by 100 sq. ft. and upgraded, while a multipurpose room will be available for new student programs and meetings. The main lounge area will have a large wall where movies can be shown. All furnishings will be updated and modernized as well. Student life and campus recreation staff will have private office space together in one location.

The Marion campus facility jointly supports student life at Ohio State Marion and Marion Technical College. The building was named in honor of George H. Alber, whose philanthropy in 1999 brought a $16 million gift to Ohio State Marion, the largest gift ever to a regional campus in the state of Ohio.

Dean and Director Gregory S. Rose believed the renovation of the student center was crucial to the future of the campus.

“Improving and expanding student life facilities is something we need to do regardless of whether housing comes to campus,” said Rose, “but if we are to have on campus housing, the expectation is that we will have facilities in support of student life.

“We have additional work to do to find funding support to expand outdoor recreation facilities,” Rose added.

Rose also shared his feeling that a vibrant student center is crucial to the future of Ohio State Marion.

“Our goal is to provide for the education of the whole student. An element of our culture of caring includes having facilities where students can meet, unwind, recreate, share experiences, and learn leadership skills as members of student organizations, and recreate,” said Rose.

“The student center also will have a café to provide a place for students to grab some food between classes,” he said, “adding to the student center’s attractiveness as a gathering place.”

The current renovations of the Alber Student Center are part of Phase 1 where both Ohio State Marion and Marion Technical College are contributing $700,000 of capital funds each. Ohio State Marion will contribute an additional $400K of local dollars for expanding scope of the student center for the multipurpose room addition.

Phase 2 renovations are planned for the future. Ohio State Marion will be the sole contributor for this project, which will provide for expansion of student and staff offices, a wellness area, campus clubs/organization meeting rooms, additional windows, and lounge enhancements.

Naming opportunities for these exciting new spaces are now available. This is a great way to highlight a family legacy or honor a loved one. Please contact Director of Development and Community Relations, Catherine Gerber, (gerber.10@osu.edu) for more information.

Original source can be found here.