The Western Student Recreation Centre (WSRC) officially opened the doors of what President Paul Davenport calls “a monument to the commitment our students have to Western” and to those who will follow them in coming years.
Former University Students’ Council President Ryan Dunn, who played a part in the initial vision for the recreation centre in 2005, joined current USC President Stephen Leece, right, for the centre’s official opening.
“The best student experience happens both inside and outside the classroom,” says Davenport. “The students contribution sends a clear message that Western is a place worthy of their philanthropic support.”
The $35.7-million facility held a soft opening earlier this year, with the final touches recently put on the 50-metre eight-lane pool allowing for an official campus welcome.
Home to a fitness centre with more than 19,000 square feet of weight, cardio, and stretching space, 200 pieces of weight and cardio fitness equipment, five gyms and more including meeting space, the WSRC is a “remarkable facility shaped by student initiative,” says University Students’ Council President Stephen Leece.
“The Western Student Recreation Centre is nothing short of breathtaking,” he says, noting he has visited other university centres across Canada. “I am proud of the generation of students that I represent who have so boldly held up the traditions of our past and their trust in future generations. This is a shining example of what students and the university can achieve together.”
Former USC President Ryan Dunn (2005/06), who initiated the cost-sharing agreement on the facility with administration, returned to campus for the opening and was taken aback by what has been accomplished.
“It’s great to see a building come to life,” he says. “For me, it was always just a drawing on piece of paper. Western is a special place and when you leave it you miss it dearly. The students at Western have made a significant investment in the Canada’s best student experience.”
The university committed $10 million to the project, and in 2006 students held a referendum to approve funding for the rest of the cost. An annual fee of $60 per year will be contributed by students, increasing by three per cent each year. Student support for this project, and for undergraduate and graduate bursaries, will total more than $100 million over the next 30 years.
“The centre has quickly emerged as one of the more popular places to meet for students on campus,” says Health Sciences Dean Jim Weese, who watched the facility go up over the last couple years from this office window.
“It delights me to no end. Thanks to the students for investing in this facility and making the university an even better place to be a part of.”