William Paterson University in Wayne held a site dedication ceremony on September 2 to celebrate the John Victor Machuga Student Center, Wayne Hall and ballroom construction project.

"The Machuga Student Center is the hub of campus life for our students," said Arnold Speert in dedicating the project. "A modernized University campus center is essential to support our vibrant campus community. The renovations, expansion, and construction will enhance our ability to meet the wide-ranging needs of our campus community."

Construction began in June on the $40 million project, which includes a renovation of the Student Center and Wayne Hall, the University’s dining hall. A new ballroom will be constructed between the two structures. The project is funded through a series of bonds issued by the New Jersey Education Facilities Authority.

At the Student Center, a three-story façade will provide a new entrance in the front. A new entrance at the Caldwell Plaza level is also planned. The entire first floor will be renovated, with some renovations on the ground floor, and the second and third floors. Existing food service and dining areas will be reconfigured into one large food court on the first floor, which includes a new two-story atrium.

On the second floor, a glassed-in bridge will connect the Student Center to the main level of the new building, which will include a 500-seat ballroom that can be subdivided into three smaller event rooms. The lower level will be divided into four conference rooms. Wayne Hall will receive a new façade, and will have storage and dining service rooms, and a faculty club.

Construction is scheduled for completion in two-and-a-half years. The new ballroom and conference rooms are scheduled for completion in fall 2004. Extensive interior renovations will mark the second stage of the project which is planned for completion in 2005. The project is being built in phases so that sections of the student center can remain open throughout the construction, enabling the building to continue to function as a center of activity.

William Paterson’s student enrollment now numbers more than 11,000, including a resident population exceeding 2,300. Wayne Hall was built in 1958, and the Student Center was built in 1972, when the resident population was approximately 500.

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For Further Information, contact:

Mary Beth Zeman, Director, Public Relations 973-720-2966

9/3/03