A student-led initiative resulting in a new building specifically for students opened its doors for the first time this semester at Salt Lake Community College’s Jordan Campus. The $17 million, 41,000-square-foot Tim and Brenda Huval Student Center now serves as a dynamic hub for SLCC students, supporting their success in a variety of ways.
Shannon McWilliams, interim assistant vice president for SLCC Student Services, says students were a “driving force” toward making the new building a reality by using their collective voice and influence to make a change while also gaining hands-on experience. “The conversation of needing a student-friendly gathering space at the Jordan Campus started over ten years ago,” McWilliams says. “Our student leaders have been diligent in bringing this idea to fruition.” One of those students involved in the early planning of the building was Aynoa Rincon, who now works for SLCC’s Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.
Rincon was president of the SLCC Student Association (SLCCSA) in 2017-18. Previous to her administration, she recalls students identifying a need at the Jordan Campus for a center that provided more space and more resources for students. She and other SLCCSA members worked directly with college administrators on design and floor plans. Rincon also spoke with state lawmakers in efforts to gain legislative approval to use money saved up from existing student fees – there was no increase to fund the new center – to help pay for the building, which opened in January.
“I hope this space serves students as a shared area to get together, do homework, eat and just create community at that campus,” says Rincon. She says her involvement was “life-changing” and that she is grateful students’ opinions were included and valued during the decision-making process. “I personally learned how important student government is, specifically when it comes to handling student fees and how they can be better utilized in services that will directly benefit students.”
The center combines in one space resources that include a bookstore, food services, Bruin Pantry, fitness center, information commons, study areas, a multi-purpose event space, Student Life & Leadership offices, Center for Health and Counseling, a veterans lounge, meditation and lactation rooms and a childcare center. Students also have access to offices that include Admissions, Financial Aid, Career Services, Orientation and Student Success, Academic Advising and Student Services. It’s estimated the center will serve about 5,000 students.
The building was named in honor of Tim and Brenda Huval following their generous gift, which will go directly to student scholarships and emphasize students in health sciences programs, a specialty at SLCC’s Jordan Campus. Tim Huval is an SLCC alumnus and former employee at the college, and the couple has a history of committing time and financial support toward the success of SLCC students.
SLCC has also received support for the new center through the generous donations of Jerry & Edna Taylor, Pamela Nielsen of Pamela Nielsen Contemporary Art, Domo, The Joan & Tim Fenton Foundation, The South Davis Community Hospital Legacy Fund, Jacobsen Construction, The Archer Family Charitable Foundation, The Utah Financial Services Foundation and The Women to Women Foundation.
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