Beyond the Gym: Millsaps Campus Life Complex

      It’s finally started! Construction on the Campus Life Complex officially began on December 9, 1998, with a formal groundbreaking ceremony. With all the ceremonial speeches and programs that one would expect for a $17.3 million project, students, trustees, faculty, and staff were beaming with excitement throughout the event.
     The official construction numbers are impressive. Millsaps will add 172,000 square feet of new construction and more than 46,000 square feet of renovations. Thus the College Center (previously "student center"), Physical Activities Center, and Student Plaza will comprise just under 220,000 square feet of new
facilities.
     The construction team of Centex Rodgers (general contractor), Integrated Architects (design), and Centex Concord (project management) will complete the
Physical Activities Center and the renovated and expanded College Center by January 2000. The entire construction project will be completed in March 2000. The speed at which the project is moving was noted by Millsaps Board of Trustees Chairman E. B. "Bud" Robinson during the groundbreaking ceremony, "Over the years I have worked on many building projects, but I have to tell you that the teamwork that has existed between the trustees, administration, faculty, staff, architects, contractors, and project management team has been nothing short of amazing. When the Campus Life Complex is complete, Millsaps’ student-centered focus will be backed up by student-centered facilities that will enrich the entire learning process."
     Despite the inconveniences that will occur during the next year, students have expressed a positive attitude about the improvements. Student Body Association President April Slayden said in her ceremony address that the new Campus Life Complex "will lead to increased opportunities on campus" and "will add to our Millsaps

experience as a whole." She added, "No longer will many of us be able to drive that half a block from our dorms to our classes, but for this small sacrifice, we will be gaining a more student-oriented campus – geared towards providing us with recreational activities and a great location for many major student events, all without ever having to leave campus."

    Surrounded by television cameras sent to cover the special day, President Harmon was elated with the uniqueness the project will bring to an already special campus. "Once the Campus Life Complex is complete, it will be unlike any other college or university facility of which I am aware. Students and visitors will know that Millsaps is truly a special place for not only the quality of our community, but also for the physical character of our campus."
        To increase communication on and off campus, Vice President for Business Affairs John Pilgrim has pulled together a team of faculty, staff, and students that meets weekly with the general contractor. Dr. Pilgrim developed the team to ensure direct communication, "We are dedicated to keeping all of our internal and external constituents informed about this project. From signs, to e-mail announcements, to an interactive web-page, and open forums, we want there to be total and up-to-the-minute information available. The feedback we have received has been tremendous, thus making the transition much more positive. We are keeping the light on at the end of the tunnel!"
       To check out the construction website, go to http://www.millsaps.edu and click on the construction icon. Photo updates, milestones, building plans, and current announcements are available for review. "The interactive web page will allow our alumni and friends to celebrate this project with us," said President Harmon. "We want everyone to be fully informed and to watch us grow."

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