Indiana University and Indiana University East today broke ground on the campus’ fifth building, a Student Activities and Events Center that is expected for completion in 2016.

The Students Activities and Events Center Groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by the IU Board of Trustees, IU President Michael McRobbie and IU East Chancellor Kathryn Cruz-Uribe. Also during the ceremony, remarks were provided by Angela Dickman, chair of the IU East Board of Advisors, and IU East Student Government Association President Emily O’Brien. Dickman was joined at the podium by Felicia Quigg, both served as co-chairs of the Bold Aspirations Campaign Committee along with Bill Quigg and Daniel Dickman.

The facility will promote student success through a comprehensive offering of programming in health and wellness, physical education, athletics, student activities and special events. Since 2007, student enrollment at IU East has over doubled to 4,573 in 2014.

IU President McRobbie said the IU East Student Activities and Events Center will represent the spirit of exploration and adventure that is at the heart of the very best education.

“It will represent not only the best of Indiana University, but also the best of the world beyond,” McRobbie said. “The center will further strengthen the bonds between past and future generations, between members of the campus community, and between IU East and the world beyond the campus walls.”

Chancellor Cruz-Uribe said during her remarks that IU East is a beautiful, vibrant campus that offers so much to its students but will also bring much needed additional space for students.

“Students choose IU East to earn a quality education they receive from nationally recognized faculty who challenge our students and prepare them for their next chapter in life and they choose IU East because of the experience in community learning experiences, internships and civic involvement,” Cruz-Uribe said. “Many university friends came together, including students, staff members, faculty, alumni and community to collectively raise approximately $1.7 million in support of this center and we thank each of them for their support.”

During her remarks, the Chancellor acknowledged Paul and Pat Lingle, First Bank Richmond, the Quigg Family Foundation, West End Bank Foundation, Reid Hospital & Health Care Services and Rod and Chris Weiss for their philanthropic leadership to the project. Each of these contributors will recognized for their generosity in the new center.

Angela Dickman said the groundbreaking was a celebration of the quality of athletics, social events, and academic achievement opportunities at IU East.

“The center is truly an investment in all current and future students of IU East and ultimately our community. Thank you to all who contributed to this important project. IU East and our entire region will enjoy and benefit from this center,” Dickman said.

In October 2012, IU East began raising funds for the project through its public campaign, “Bold Aspirations: The Campaign for the Student Events Center.” Through community and campus support, the campaign raised the remaining $1.7 million for the project. The university had already reserved $3 million for the project from savings and efficiencies.

O’Brien, a senior double majoring in English and History, said students at IU East were excited about the new building.

“This is a very exciting time to be an IU East student—our new Student Activities and Events Center will make IU East bigger, better, and more equipped for positive student engagement opportunities that ever before,” O’Brien said. “Although I will graduate before this building is completed, I’m looking forward to coming back to see the finished product as an alumna, as I know this building will only improve IU East’s already very bright future.”

Final plans to construct the Student Activities and Events Center were approved by the IU Board of Trustees approval during its August 8 meeting in Bloomington.

The ceremony was held as part of IU East’s 2014 Homecoming week, November 10-15.

“Homecoming is an opportunity to blend our past and future. It is a time to honor traditions and create new memories. To celebrate alumni and teach tomorrow’s leaders,” Cruz-Uribe said. “The Student Activities and Events Center is symbolic of this week. It represents all this campus has achieved thus far and sets the stage for new achievements and a bright future.”