University Center

Groundbreaking: Sept. 19, 1991
Official opening: Sept. 11, 1992
Cost: $5.5 million
Size: 46,400 square feet
Architects: Sverdrup Corporation

In Fall 1989, an article in Webster World reported that Webster University was one of only a few universities in the country without a student union and athletic facilities. That same year Webster received a $1 Million Challenge Grant for a new University Center from the J.E and L.E. Mabee Foundation. The grant and subsequent funds raised allowed the university to build a facilty for recreation, school athletics, and student leisure and government activities.

The new building was especially vital to the needs of the athletics department which began intercollegiate play in 1984. Previously Webster had played in various high school gymnasiums. Even before that the university shared a facility with Nerinx Hall until the gym was destroyed by fire in 1985.

University Center website

References

Brockmann, Matt. (1989, November 16-29). University Center update: Campus-wide committee oversees center's blueprint. The Journal, vol. 25, no. 11, p. 3.
Casteel, Shandy. (1992, September 17-24). Celebration marks Center opening. The Journal, vol. 32, no. 4, pp. 1, 8.
Graham, Brad. (1988, September 15). Webster development plans underway: Activity Center in designing stage. The Journal, vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 3, 9.
Morton, Stephanie. (1989, August 31-September 7). Foundation laid for future: Webster receives $1 million challenge grant. The Journal, vol. 25, no. 2, p. 6.
Phase II of capital funds drive launched. (1989, Fall). Webster World, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 3-5.
Pudlewski, Chris. (1990, February 1-8). Committee in conflict over daycare in building: University Center plans go back to the drawing board. The Journal, vol. 26, no. 3, p. 6.
Schuster, Joseph M. (1989, September). Webster launches Phase II of capital campaign: Plans to build student activity center are revealed. Here and Now, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 1, 3.
Studley, Julie C. (1991, April 4-11). U. Center to bring student culture together. The Journal, vol. 28, no. 11, pp. 1, 3.
Wrausmann, Tom. (1991, September 26-October 3). Building finally happens: U. Center breaks ground. The Journal, vol. 29, no. 5, pp. 1,8.

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