Tech celebrates grand opening of Roaden University Center expansion

The new expansion to Tennessee Tech’s Roaden University Center was unveiled today with a short dedication program and ribbon cutting ceremony on campus.

COOKEVILLE – The new expansion to Tennessee Tech’s Roaden University Center (RUC) was unveiled on Thursday, Feb. 14, with a short dedication program and ribbon cutting ceremony on campus. 

More than 1,000 students, faculty and staff funneled through the west side of the RUC which now features more than 11,500 square feet of new student lounge and dining areas on the ground and first floors.

“This is a chance to showcase this wonderful addition to campus,” said Tech president Phil Oldham. “Students turned out in large numbers.” 

The $7 million expansion, which started in fall 2017, also features interior lounges and covered porches on both the ground and first floors. There are stairs connecting the lounges, and a walking bridge between Centennial Plaza and the first floor of the expansion.

The area immediately west of the building will become landscaped green space, in accordance with the university’s master plan to create a more pedestrian-friendly campus.

Funding for the project came from the facilities development fee paid by students and state capital maintenance funds.

“Construction can be difficult to get used to,” said Tech student government association president Mason Hilliard. “Seeing something accomplished and finished will make students a lot happier and more energized about the other projects on campus.”

The RUC expansion is one of 16 major projects with $180 million in active or recently completed construction going on around campus. A new laboratory sciences building and a new recreation and fitness center are two of the major projects. Both are expected to be completed in 2020.

“I really applaud the patience of the students and faculty and staff with all the construction going on around campus,” said Oldham. “This is a down payment, an investment on the future. This is one investment we are making and we are making a lot more. This is the first of many to come.”

Also at today’s event, Awesome Eagle celebrated his 94th birthday and the “I Heart Tech Students” faculty/staff giving campaign got underway. The campaign focuses on the eagle assistance grant, food pantry and veterans center. More information can be found by logging on to https://giving.tntech.edu/campaigns/i-heart-tech-students.

The RUC expansion is one of 16 major projects with $180 million in active or recently completed construction going on around campus.

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