![\"Art](\"https:\/\/laverne.edu\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2018\/03\/Art-and-Sarah-Ludwick-768x593.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNext summer, the University of La Verne will break ground on a new facility that will serve as a spiritual, community, and culturally engaged hub for the campus community.<\/p>\n
The Ludwick Center for Spirituality, Cultural Understanding, and Community Engagement \u2013 a multi- million dollar facility supported by a significant gift from Art and Sarah Ludwick \u201894 \u2013 is projected to open in the Fall of 2019. The center will provide purpose, space and opportunity for students, campus members, and the greater community to gather, collaborate, and have meaningful interactions.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThis will place the University of La Verne at the forefront of where higher education needs to be in terms of educating and nurturing the whole person,\u201d University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman said. \u201cA quality education is more than academics. It includes spirituality, cultural understanding, ethical reasoning, diversity, and community engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n
The facility will be located near the corner of Bonita Avenue and B Street. The Ludwicks\u2019 gift assures that, with additional fundraising, the project and facility will be completed as planned and will include new construction, the renovation of Brandt Hall, and the removal of the existing Interfaith Chapel.<\/p>\n
The Ludwick Center will include an expanded sacred space that will accommodate 125 people, the Office of Multicultural Services, the Office of Civic and Community Engagement, the Office of International Student Services, and the Office of Interfaith and Spiritual Life. Construction plans also include three classrooms, a group prayer and meditation room, a yoga and quiet room, offices, and space for collaboration, study, and work.<\/p>\n
The sacred space will provide a welcoming and appropriate environment for people of all religions, faiths, and traditions, reflecting some of the Church of the Brethren\u2019s simplicity of architectural style, according to Provost Jonathan Reed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ludwick Center is emblematic of the university\u2019s core values,\u201d Reed said. \u201cIt is part of our effort to create a sense of belonging for all students at the University of La Verne.\u201d<\/p>\n
University of La Verne Chaplain Zandra Wagoner said that the Ludwick Center will build synergy that will extend between academic and student affairs departments, across cultures, religions, and nations, and foster an atmosphere of collaboration.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will create natural opportunities for student interaction and opportunities for extensive outreach to the community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
The Ludwicks are long-time supporters of the University of La Verne and are involved in philanthropy throughout the San Gabriel Valley including being patrons of the Child Development Center at the Fairplex in Pomona. They received the Glendora Citizen of the Year award from the Glendora Chamber of Commerce in 1987. Sarah Ludwick earned her Master of Science degree in Child Development from the University of La Verne in 1994.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are impressed and inspired by the University of La Verne\u2019s mission to care for every student academically, professionally, spiritually, and emotionally,\u201d the Ludwicks said. \u201cThis iconic center will further that mission by providing the space, resources, and opportunities that will enhance and enrich every student\u2019s experience at the University of La Verne.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Ludwick Center is part of the university\u2019s Facilities & Technology Master Plan, which includes a 116,000-square-foot residence and dining hall, set for completion by Fall 2018, and a three-story, 55,000-square-foot health and science academic building to be located south of Bonita Avenue between B and C Streets where the chapel now sits.<\/p>\n