Providence, R.I.--Members of the Providence College community gathered for the dedication and blessing of the $6 million Slavin Center addition and renovation on Thursday, September 24.
The event, which was held in the atrium of the addition, included remarks from College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80, PC Student Congress President Andraya Pulaski '10 of Norwich, Conn., Mark F. Rapoza, assistant vice president for capital projects and facilities planning, and Sharon L. Hay, dean of student programming.
Rev. Brendan Murphy, O.P. '87, vice president for student affairs administration, served as master of ceremonies.
The Slavin Center, which opened in 1971, serves as the campus student union. The two-level addition on the south side was the first major construction at the building site since its opening, though the facility has undergone numerous renovations over the years.
In total, 8,800 square feet of new space was added and 560 square feet of space on three levels was renovated.
The lower level of the two-level addition contains a large, open student lounge with an adjacent coffee and snack shop, PC Perk, and features several flat-screen televisions. The upper level consists of a large, L-shaped quiet student lounge for studying and small social gatherings.
The addition features a two-story atrium with a new major entrance to the Slavin Center. The atrium's rooftop contains photovoltaic cells to harness solar energy for the building.
Aside from the new space, the primary renovations to the building were the expansion of studio space for WDOM-FM radio and PC TV.
Student center reclaimed
As the first person to speak, Father Murphy said he was amazed at how much was accomplished in such a short period of time at the site. The project took approximately eight months to complete.
"Not only do we have a beautiful new addition, which fits in so beautifully with the Concannon Fitness Center and Ruane Atrium, but we also have a very attractive and inviting space for our students to socialize, study, and have something to eat and drink," he said.
Father Shanley said the official opening of a student-centered Slavin Center was "a dream that we dreamed for awhile." Like Father Murphy, Father Shanley said he was pleased that students would have a space "to truly feel at home."
"The missing room in our home has been a family room," Father Shanley explained. "We needed to have a place that could be a family room for our students. Walk through here any time day or night and you'll find PC students hanging out. That's the way we want it."
Father Shanley also thanked Rapoza, student leaders, and donors for their tireless efforts to see the project come to fruition.
Pulaski said the new addition and renovation represents the success that results when student leaders and College administrators collaborate for the good of students.
"I am fully confident that the new Slavin Center is a step toward enhancing the sense of community that makes Providence College so unique," she said.
Rapoza and Hay thanked many individuals for their help with the project, including the Slavin Planning Committee; Farrar & Associates, the construction management company used on the project; and the architects, SMMA.
At the end of the speaking portion of the ceremony, College chaplain Rev. M. James Cuddy, O.P. '98 recited a prayer and blessed the addition and renovated areas before all those in attendance were invited to sample menu items from PC Perk.
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