C. Bascom Slemp Student Center Dedicated Nov. 7, 2003

The public is invited to join The University of Virginia's College at Wise on Friday, Nov. 7, for the grand opening of the C. Bascom Slemp Student Center. The event begins at 1 p.m. in the Student Center atrium.

In addition to UVa-Wise Chancellor Steve Kaplan, speakers at the dedication ceremony will include Gordon F. Rainey, rector of the University of Virginia; William G. Crutchfield, member of the Board of Visitors and chair of the BOV Committee on The University of Virginia's College at Wise; James M. Gott, chair of the UVa-Wise Board; L. Jay Lemons, president of Susquehanna University and former chancellor of UVa-Wise; Joseph R. Carico, chief deputy attorney general of Virginia and former UVa-Wise Student Government Association president; Jennifer Davis, current SGA president; and Gary W. Juhan, UVa-Wise vice chancellor for administration. In celebration of the grand opening, the newly expanded Campus Bookstore, located on the lower level of the Student Center, will have a variety of prize drawings and free gifts for patrons.

The $10.9 million, 46,234 square foot C. Bascom Slemp Student Center effectively bridges the upper and lower campus while providing recreational space and office and meeting areas for the Student Government Association and other student organizations.

The five-story structure blends the architectural styles of the College's two original sandstone buildings with that of the more modern red-brick classroom facilities. The result is a striking new campus focal point.

A dramatic four-story atrium provides exciting interior views. Expansive glass panels throughout the building create the perfect vantage point from which to gaze at the scenic vistas surrounding campus. The Student Center's exterior is designed to create an outdoor living environment. A landscaped amphitheater provides the perfect location for a concert.

Although the C. Bascom Slemp Student Center is new, it is home to a bit of the College's past. On the fourth floor, there's a recreation of the Jefferson Lounge, complete with a brick fireplace just like the original. The first Jefferson Lounge was a popular student retreat located in Zehmer Hall during the College's early years. In the Campus Bookstore, which has nearly tripled in size, a moveable wooden ladder pays homage to the old Beaty Store, once a center of commercial activity in the Town of Wise.

The building was funded by student fees and a $2.5 million gift from the C. Bascom Slemp Foundation. The Student Center is named in honor of C. Bascom Slemp (1870-1943), the Ninth District Representative to the U.S. Congress who later became the personal secretary to President Calvin Coolidge. In his will, Mr. Slemp provided for the creation of the Slemp Foundation, which provides numerous scholarships to students in Southwest Virginia and supports many other significant projects in the region.

The Student Center was designed by VMDO Architects in Charlottesville; Powell Building Group of Nashville served as general contractor.

For more information, contact the Office of College Relations at 276-328-0130.