An effort is underway at MO State University-West Plains to raise money for a new student center. And officials there say they’re more than halfway toward reaching the $250,000 goal.
According to the university, to date, officials have raised gifts, pledges and commitments totaling over $125,000 for the new student lounge and activity space, which will be housed in the university-owned post office building on Garfield Avenue.
Renovation and expansion plans for the post office building received the green light this summer when Missouri legislators passed a bond package. And Gov. Jay Nixon signed legislation authorizing approximately $300 million to fund repairs and renovations to public properties around the state. Included in that package was $1.5 million in funding for the post office building.
University officials expect the total cost of the renovation project will be $4.5 to $5 million, which will be covered with a combination of bonding, donor and university reserve funds. Once completed, the facility will house the student union, William and Virginia Darr Honors Program, tutoring services, the admissions office and other classroom and administrative office space.
The $250,000 being raised for the student union will go towards the purchase of furnishings and other activity items, including a coffee bar, according to university officials.
To learn more, email: wpdevelopment.missouristate.edu or 417-255-7240.
