Ozarks Technical Community College will open its new Michael L. Parson Student Union with a public celebration at 1 p.m. Aug. 12 on its Springfield campus.
The event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and building tours, according to a community announcement. Former Missouri Gov. Mike Parson is expected to attend alongside state and local officials, workforce partners, donors, employees and students. Ozarks Tech Chancellor Hal Higdon will host the event.
The Michael L. Parson Student Union, known as "The U," is a three-story facility intended to bring a range of student services, dining options and gathering spaces together in one location.
The building is at 1001 E. Chestnut Expressway in Springfield.
Guests attending the celebration will have
the opportunity to tour the facility and participate in activities throughout the building.
New student services and amenities under one roof
Among the features inside the student union are the Academic Resource Center, which includes a library, tutoring center and writing center, along with space for events and workforce development workshops.
The facility also includes a food court with Craft Sushi, Starbucks, Hardee's and Little Caesars Express.
Additional amenities include a fitness center offering intramural sports and fitness classes, as well as the Eagle Store, which combines bookstore, convenience store and spirit shop services.
Event attendees can sample food court offerings, take part in fitness center challenges, explore Academic Resource Center activities and access promotions available through the Eagle Store, according to the announcement.
State funding played key role in project
The project was funded largely through a state investment supported during Parson's administration.
According to the announcement, the student union cost $48 million, with $46 million coming from state funding. Additional support was provided through the Ozarks Tech Foundation.
College officials said in the announcement that the project reflects a focus on higher education, workforce development and regional economic growth.
Additional event and parking details are available at tinyurl.com/yj2ccv4n.
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This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Ozarks Tech to unveil student union
