VCU Student Commons celebrates 20 years of service

By Malorie Burkett

Virginia Commonwealth University's Student Commons-the heart of VCU's Academic Campus, serving as the home to student organizations and the student center for life outside of the classroom, recently celebrated 20 years of service to the VCU community.

Commons employees, faculty, staff and students gathered for the ceremony, which took place in the main lobby of the Commons. Speakers included Eugene P. Trani, Ph.D., VCU president, Roderick J. McDavis, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs and Timothy Reed, Ph.D., director of Student Commons & Activities. In addition, a large 20th anniversary banner, which will be on display throughout 2004, was raised above the existing main staircase to commemorate the celebration.

The University Student Commons first opened its doors Jan. 17, 1984, and on the same day in 1993, the Commons celebrated another opening with the addition of Phase 2. VCU once again will celebrate another opening at the Commons on April 15 with the addition of Phase 3 -a 39,000 square-foot addition that will feature a new ballroom, and 16,000 square feet of renovated space, including the Commons Theater, Commons Café and Park Place Food Court.

A member of the Association of College Unions International (ACUI), the Commons has offered diverse education, social, cultural and recreational programs for the entire VCU community allowing students, faculty and staff to make use of personal time as an integral part of the college experience. In addition, University Student Commons officials say the facilities and programs have served as a gateway for the university to the community beyond campus boundaries. For more on the Commons, visit www.students.vcu.edu/commons/.