DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Daytona State College has broken ground on a $32.6 million Student Center/Workforce Transition building that its leaders say will embody a design and function for modern-era higher education.
"We believe our new facility will be one of the most comprehensive, spacious and modern student centers in the Florida College System," DSC President Tom LoBasso said.
Nearly a week has passed since the groundbreaking and policy makers like DSC Board Vice Chair Stan Escudero are still talking up the new student center. "This will be the signature building -- the flagship -- of the Daytona State College campus, " said Escudero, an alumnus and a retired US foreign ambassador. "It will stand as the preeminent symbol of our commitment to the students, to their learning opportunities, their social growth and their ultimate career success. This is a groundbreaking for the future of education in Volusia and Flagler (counties)."
Nearly a week has passed since the groundbreaking and policy makers like DSC Board Vice Chair Stan Escudero, shown here in the second row from right (dark brown sport coat) are still talking up the new student center.
"This will be the signature building -- the flagship -- of the Daytona State College campus, " said Escudero, an alumnus and a retired US foreign ambassador.
"It will stand as the preeminent symbol of our commitment to the students, to their learning opportunities, their social growth and their ultimate career success. This is a groundbreaking for the future of education in Volusia and Flagler (counties)."
"Let me paint a picture for you," LoBosso told the packed audience of 200-plus at Thursday's groundbreaking.
"This center will become the focal point of the campus in both the services it will house and its central location. Its soaring modern design and size will present an iconic structure on International Speedway Boulevard that will be visible for miles around."
With walls made of a native coquina-stone mixture and green-energy glass panels, with beautiful bronze screens on a 30-foot tall portal, this building will be built with green construction principles that are resource-efficient and environmentally responsible.
"We're thrilled to get this facility underway," said LoBasso, noting his appreciation for the Governor's and legislature's support for the $32.6 million project as he roundly thanked Mori and Forough Hosseini for their many efforts to gain the funding.
"It's pretty fantastic how much added-value the student center will bring to Daytona State, our students and the community," LoBosso added. "I expect that at any given time of day or evening, people driving by will wonder what's going on in that building – it will be in constant use. Many, if not most of DSC's 27,000 students will at one time, or many times, make use of our new facility."
"Let me paint a picture for you," LoBosso told the packed audience of 200-plus at Thursday's groundbreaking. "This center will become the focal point of the campus in both the services it will house and its central location. Its soaring modern design and size will present an iconic structure on International Speedway Boulevard that will be visible for miles around."
With walls made of a native coquina-stone mixture and green-energy glass panels, with beautiful bronze screens on a 30-foot tall portal, this building will be built with green construction principles that are resource-efficient and environmentally responsible.
"We're thrilled to get this facility underway," said LoBasso, noting his appreciation for the Governor's and legislature's support for the $32.6 million project as he roundly thanked Mori and Forough Hosseini for their many efforts to gain the funding.
"It's pretty fantastic how much added-value the student center will bring to Daytona State, our students and the community," LoBosso added. "I expect that at any given time of day or evening, people driving by will wonder what's going on in that building – it will be in constant use. Many, if not most of DSC's 27,000 students will at one time, or many times, make use of our new facility."
Dr. LoBasso and District Board of Trustees Chair Forough Hosseini thanked ikon.5 architects for the design and Perry-McCall Construction which will manage the project to completion in spring 2019.
Outgoing Student Government President Olivia Stuart said she expects students will gravitate to this building as it becomes the campus heartbeat.
"It's beyond exciting to think about the thousands of students from all walks of life and backgrounds who will come through our center's doors," Stuart said.
Stuart added, "I know we are all very grateful for what this facility will offer, and how it is dedicated to our success and our future."
Outgoing Daytona State College Student Government President Olivia Stuart said she expects students will gravitate to this building as it becomes the campus heartbeat.
"It's beyond exciting to think about the thousands of students from all walks of life and backgrounds who will come through our center's doors," Stuart said.
Stuart added, "I know we are all very grateful for what this facility will offer, and how it is dedicated to our success and our future."
Did You Know?
• In addition to academic support services that include the library and Writing Center, the 84,000-square-foot facility will serve as a hub for the Daytona State student-life experience, featuring classrooms, a large events center, conference rooms, offices for student clubs, game room, study commons, cafeteria and coffee lounge, and an outdoor dining area.
• The library alone provides academic support to about 1,200 students a week (200 students per day). And users annually access electronic resources over 300,000 times, check out 12,000 books and ask more than 4,000 reference questions.
• The Writing Center handles some 5,600 tutoring appointments, 4,300 visits to its specialized learning space called the Attic, and 5,300 visits for general resources use each year. Across all these services, the new facility will enhance digital and information literacy for students, faculty and staff.
* Equally important, the center also will include Career Services, a one-stop resource center for career planning and job placement, where students and alumni can explore career options and employment opportunities, create resumes, practice interview skills and learn how to dress and act professionally. The center will serve both students seeking work experiences and businesses offering internships, service learning opportunities and/or cooperative education placements.
• Career Services has seen an 80 percent growth in utilization over the past two years, with almost 7,500 student engagements.
• The college's Student Life Skills class, required for all associate of arts students, also will be offered in the new facility, providing a state-of-the-art teaching and learning experience for students.
Check It Out!
The Student Center/Workforce Transition building is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2019, with webcam construction viewing available daily.