“On behalf of the students, I want to thank the college and community for the support and partnership in prioritizing the Health & Wellness Center for the campus and its students,” said Vinnie Nguyen, current ASB President.
Nearly three years after the groundbreaking, SPSCC celebrated the completion of the Health & Wellness Center with a ribbon cutting event on April 12. Students, alumni, staff, faculty, and members of the community were welcomed in to tour the student-funded space including the renovated gym, new auxiliary gym, and expanded weight and cardio room options.
The completion of the Center is the culmination of many years of hard work from students and the SPSCC community. In 2015, the ASB Student Senate formed a sub-committee dedicated to researching student needs in a comprehensive health and wellness space. After two years of research, student surveys, and visits to other community college facilities, the Senate collaborated with a design committee to draft floor plan options and establish a concept for students to vote on. The final floor plan included spaces for physical exercise as well as study rooms.
In April 2017, SPSCC students voted to approve a referendum to assess a student fee to fund the construction of the Health & Wellness Center. The proposal was approved by the Board of Trustees in May 2017 and construction began the following year. The Center was completed in the fall of 2020, but access to the space was limited until this year due to the pandemic.
Past ASB Senators were present for the ribbon cutting including Jonathan Fink (2018-19 ASB President), Kate Armstrong (2016-17 Student Senator of Legislative Affairs), and Zak Hussain (2014-15 ASB President). During her speech, Vinnie Nguyen thanked those who helped make the students’ dream athletics facility a reality.
“Although I may be the one standing here today with the honor of cutting the ribbon and giving this speech, I would like to give a huge recognition to the student leaders who came before me,” she said. “Without their hard work, dedication, and efforts, none of this could’ve been possible.”
“The legacy of this building will leave a footprint for future years to come, as a space that not only promotes health and well-being on campus, but also as a space that builds strong engagement, connections, exciting athletic events, and many other student programs that will give memorable and meaningful experiences for students here at SPSCC.”
Original source can be found here.
