MSU Denver celebrated the grand opening of the new Student Success Building and the new status as a university at a ceremony on Sept. 5.
The celebrations kicked off at 11 a.m. at the SSB plaza with swag tables of free items, speeches from members of MSU Denver’s Board of Trustees and SGA, and the cutting of a ribbon by President Jordan.
After the president’s remarks, attendees enjoyed a free barbecue, as well as the chance to be part of a giant ‘U’ photo, comprised of students and faculty, for the cover of the fall issue of Metro Magazine.
“I just want students to come out and be proud of their community, of their now university,” said Leticia Duarte, a MSU senior who is a special event assistant working on the logistical aspects of the ceremonies. “Students could come out and bond with their fellow classmates, meet the administrators, and kind of have that school pride.”
The ground breaking for the SSB began in Dec. 2010 and the building opened in March 2012. Once the building is paid off, it will have been entirely funded by student-approved fees and provides a one-stop spot for a wide range of MSU Denver support services. Some of the services include academic advising, financial aid, tutoring, admissions, cashier’s office, and the scholarship center.
“Before we were scattered all over,” Duarte said. “For us to get anything signed or anything, we’d have to walk 20 minutes just to go somewhere and come back. It really helps [the administration] out.”
The new SSB is located just southwest of the Tivoli building. In addition to providing multiple student services, the lobby features open areas to study.
MSU Denver President Stephen Jordan presents Colorado Sen. Lucia Guzman with a plaque naming her the 2012 Legislator of the Year in honor of her contribution toward gaining university status Sept. 5 at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Student Success Building. Jordan acknowledged there were many obstacles along the way, but says, “in the end, it was worth every bit of the struggle.” Photo by Melanie J. Rice
“I think it’s pretty nice and convenient,” said Mike Lavin, MSU Denver sophomore. “I like the outdoor cafe here. [The building] looks expensive — I know where my tuition is going.”
The upcoming festivities for the new SSB, along with the upcoming opening celebrations for the Hotel and Hospitality Learning Center, MSU Denver is putting itself on the map.
Rowdy, the MSU Denver mascot, hands President Stephen Jordan scissors to cut the ribbon on the new Student Success Building on Sept. 5. Alex Giles (front) and Krystal Groce, both MSU Denver students, hold the ribbon. Photo by Melanie J. Rice
“Both these buildings are changing the look and feel of Auraria Parkway,” said Cathy Lucas, associate to the president for marketing and communications. “They’re major cornerstones in our neighborhood. We now have a Metro State University of Denver neighborhood.”
People: Leticia Duarte, Mike Lavin, Stephen Jordan
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