CSUSM Announces Groundbreaking for Student Union

On Thursday, Feb. 23, at 11:45 a.m., California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) will host a ceremony to celebrate the groundbreaking of its future student union. The new four-story, 89,283 square foot building will be located near the center of campus adjacent to Cesar Chavez Circle with the fourth floor entrance opening onto Kellogg Plaza.The $43,980,000 project is made possible through student fees.  Students have been an important part of the design and consultation process.When construction of phase one is complete in spring 2014 the union will feature four different dining options, a coffee shop and lounge, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a convenience store, a quiet lounge, a spiritual lounge, a TV lounge, activity room and commuter lounge. The union will also be the new home of Student Life & Leadership, the Tukwut Leadership Center, Associated Students, Inc and all of the social justice centers including the Cross Cultural Center, Pride Center and Women’s Center. A ballroom, meeting rooms and office space for student union operations and the university cooperation will also be included.The new student union will be the “heartbeat” of the campus and will support the development of campus life as well as support the engagement and retention of students. Student spaces will be abundant, flexible, innovative and accessible.  In addition, it will allow CUSUM to build community within and beyond the campus.Media are invited to attend the private celebration ceremony.What: Groundbreaking ceremony kicking off the construction of the student union, an 89,283 square foot building slated to open in spring 2014.   When: Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012 at 11:45 a.m.Where: The construction site near Kellogg Plaza at California State University San Marcos  Additional: To view a 3D building fly-through video visit: http://www.csusm.edu/pdc/Projects_Construction/USU/USU_3D_FlyThrough.html To view a photo-gallery of artistic building renderings visit: http://www.csusm.edu/pdc/gallery/University%20Student%20Union/25.USU_Photo%20Gallery.htmlAbout California State University San MarcosCalifornia State University San Marcos combines the ambiance of a mid-sized, personal, modern campus with the unequaled value of the California State University. Since its founding in 1989, the campus has distinguished itself. Students benefit from the latest facilities and equipment, a superb faculty that enjoys teaching, and a rigorous academic program that prepares students for a successful life in and out of the workplace. A recent survey reported that our annual spending in the region was $161 million, generating a total impact of $307 million on the regional economy. 85 percent of CSUSM’s alumni stay in the region. CSU San Marcos is located on a 304-acre hillside overlooking the city of San Marcos. It is fifteen miles east of the ocean; just thirty miles north of downtown San Diego.