Just as a fundamental goal of higher education is the exploration of knowledge and self, the primary purpose of the recently completed Sara & Michael Abraham Campus Center is to promote learning and personal interaction at the University of La Verne.

Years of planning, development and anticipation will reach fruition when La Verne hosts the grand opening celebration for its new landmark facility on Thursday, Sept. 10. A broad spectrum of the university community is expected to attend this festivity marking the latest addition to the campus landscape.

“We’re calling it a Grand Opening Celebration because that’s what it is – a celebration,” University President Steve Morgan said. “So many people have put so much into turning this dream into a reality for our students and we want to set aside this day for them to just enjoy it. At the same time, we want to allow everyone close to the university to get a sense of what the success of the Campus Center Project represents to the institution, both today and in the future.”

The event gets underway at 3 p.m. with a general reception in the Johnson Family Plaza and along the Jim & Marie Long Terrace adjacent to the new building. At 3:30 p.m. the focus will shift to the Campus Center’s main entrance for the formal program. Along with University President Steve Morgan, Board of Trustees Chair Luis Faura and La Verne City Mayor Don Kendrick, those scheduled to address the gathering include representatives of the university’s faculty, student government, and alumni governing board. The program will conclude with the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

Tours of the Campus Center will begin immediately following the ribbon cutting. Visitors are invited to explore the building’s three floors and discover the modern design, available facilities and enhanced technology found within the three-story structure.

Designed by the noted Pasadena, Calif., based architecture firm Gonzalez Goodale Architects, the Campus Center is designed to act as a mixing space for students of all ages, cultures and disciplines. It provides a place to exchange ideas, insights and information in comfortable and picturesque surroundings and is certain to serve as the focal point of university activity.

Design principal David L. Goodale, AIA, and project principal Armando Gonzalez, FAIA of Gonzalez Goodale Architects have successfully captured the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of Southern California. The use of glassed window walls provides expansive views of the San Gabriel Mountains while allowing for maximum light transfer.

“We were fortunate in having a site at the literal hub of the campus, with potential views towards the city and the San Gabriel Mountains,” Goodale said. “We developed a design that capitalizes on the strength of place.”

Constructed by K.A.R. Construction of Ontario, the 40,000-square-foot Campus Center is a highly anticipated addition to the university’s available facilities, supplying smart classrooms, modern offices, and essential meeting and recreational space. It is named in honor of Board of Trustees member Michael Abraham and his wife, Sara, who championed the fundraising efforts for the structure.

Facilities and offices housed within of the new building include the spacious Ludwick Conference Center on the top floor, named for longtime La Verne donors Arthur and Sarah Ludwick, and complemented by an open-air veranda and rooftop garden; Barbara’s Place, a café named for Barbara Harris, wife of past Board of Trustees Chair Benjamin Harris; the new home of the university’s Learning Enhancement Center, offering academic support and guidance to all students; the Career Services Center; and the university’s Student Affairs Office suite, providing space for student government, clubs and organizations.

“Simply put, I love our new building. It’s a great merger of La Verne tradition with modern touches that will propel our university into the future.” said Chris Kaelberer, 2009-10 Associated Students of the University of La Verne (ASULV) president. “An important part of La Verne’s history is the community it develops within faculty, students and administrators alike. Because of this building, all three parties become more accessible to each other and can therein be more productive together.”

The Campus Center was designed to a LEED Silver rating for sustainability (final certification pending). Developed and administered by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED certification is the recognized standard for measuring building sustainability. The LEED rating system is designed to promote design and construction practices that increase profitability while reducing the negative environmental impacts of buildings and improving occupant health and well-being.

Known as the “campaign within a campaign, the $26.1 million Campus Center Project was part of the university’s five-year, $42 million Building on Excellence Campaign that successfully concluded on June 30, 2009. The three-stage Campus Center Project included expansive renovations to the Sports Science & Athletics Pavilion (formerly known as the Super Tents), creation of the Frank and Nadine Johnson Family Plaza, and construction of the Campus Center Building. Studies show that campus environment and a campus center are two significant reasons students select a university, issues addressed by the Campus Center Project.

Related Posts from the Archives:

1. Campus Center Becomes First Building in La Verne to Earn Coveted LEED Certification
2. Center of Attention
3. Year-end Flurry of Donations Help University Exceed $26.1 million Goal for Campus Center Project
4. Abraham Campus Center Ground Breaking on October 20 Highlights Alumni Weekend Festivities
5. ULV Super Tents Renovation Celebration Marks First Stage of Campus Center Project